Ray Orb, who was handpicked by the Sask. Party as Reeve after the elected council resigned, openly acknowledged in an interview this week, documents about the data centre were only made public in February and the project received approval in April, just two months later.
“It was clear the general public was not aware of what was going on,” Orb said.
The RM is now committing to improving its communication going forward, but constant calls by thousands of concerned citizens and Carla Beck’s team for a public consultation have been ignored by the Sask. Party.
“Scott Moe is going before the media this morning, maybe he can explain why people concerned about this data centre don’t get a voice,” said Erika Ritchie, Shadow Minister for Government Relations. “Moe handpicked this Reeve and even he knows the bar for public consultation hasn’t been met.
“This is a sorry excuse for leadership. People deserve answers to so many critical questions they’re asking.”
Concerns about the data centre have been raised about impact to the power grid and cost, the environment, infrastructure needs, the lack of consultation and more. Thousands have signed a petition opposing the project.
This week, the Sask. Party claims to have denied requests for power for a separate data centre in Moose Jaw, which has also generated concerns from thousands of residents. No one at the government has been able to explain why one data center is being denied and another is being allowed to proceed without public consultation.
“People shouldn’t have to fight this hard to get answers to their questions, especially about a project of this size and significance,” said Brittney Senger, Shadow Minister for Tech, Innovation & AI.
“Saskatchewan people support growth and investment, but they also expect honesty, transparency, and a seat at the table before decisions are made, not afterward. You don't get credit for finding the fire extinguisher after the building is already burning.”
Carla Beck’s team continues to welcome concerns and feedback from the public concerning the Sherwood data centre at [email protected].
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