Alberta technology minister faces backlash over AI data centres

Alberta Technology Minister Nate Glubish faced significant opposition from hundreds of residents during a town hall meeting in Lacombe. Attendees jeered and booed the minister regarding the provincial government's plans to host large-scale artificial intelligence data centres.

Local residents expressed deep distrust in the government's ability to regulate the industry, which is expected to bring billions of dollars in investment to meet global computing demands. Concerns were raised regarding the environmental and community impacts of these facilities, specifically regarding water usage and proximity to residential areas.

Glubish noted that a previous application for a natural gas facility intended to power a proposed data centre complex in Olds was denied due to its closeness to homes. He stated that Premier Danielle Smith’s government is currently reviewing setback provisions to ensure data centre sites are located far from residential zones.