Saskatchewan NDP calls for moratorium on AI data centres

The Saskatchewan NDP is demanding a moratorium on the construction of hyperscale artificial intelligence data centres in the province. Opposition leader Carla Beck called for a pause until the provincial government establishes a formal framework to assess project impacts and ensures robust public consultation.

The demand follows an announcement by Premier Scott Moe and Prime Minister Mark Carney that Bell Canada intends to quadruple the size of its data centre near Regina. The expansion would increase the facility's capacity from 300 megawatts to 1.2 gigawatts.

Opposition critics, including Brittney Senger, have raised concerns regarding the lack of transparency and the potential impact on local resources. Residents have expressed uncertainty regarding the effect these massive projects may have on local water supplies and electricity costs. Beck noted that current regulations for data centres appear less stringent than those for small businesses, such as lemonade stands.