CARLA BECK’S TEAM CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY, HIGHLIGHTS CONCERNS WITH LACK OF INFORMATION ON REGINA-AREA AI DATA CENTRE

Open House Planned For Next Week, People With Questions Or Concerns Urged To Contact [email protected]
REGINA — Carla Beck’s team is laying out a series of steps it’s taking in response to public concerns, questions and calls for transparency related to the new data centre planned for the RM of Sherwood, just outside of Regina.

An online petition directed at the project had more than 12,800 signatures as of Thursday. The project’s proponent BCE Inc., the parent company of Bell Canada, says the project will generate $12 billion in economic activity, 800 construction jobs, and 80 full-time jobs once operational in 2027.

Over the last month, local residents have raised numerous questions about the project’s operation, initial approvals, and more. Carla Beck’s team posed a series of questions to Scott Moe’s Trade & Export Development Minister during budget estimates committee Wednesday night; however, little information was provided — the majority of questions were referred to further estimates meetings next week.

"Clearly, people in Regina and Sherwood are seeking more transparency about this data centre from the government,” said Brittney Senger, Shadow Minister for Technology, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence. “Our job is to get them answers.

We know data centres are going to be a reality moving forward — and potentially a massive economic opportunity for Saskatchewan — and we know that gaining the public’s trust for large-scale projects is critical.”

Senger and Jobs, Economy & SaskPower Shadow Minister Aleana Young met with the project’s proponents earlier this week to ask questions and they, along with Trade & Export Development Shadow Minister Kim Breckner, followed up in writing on Friday morning.

“Let’s be clear — Scott Moe and the Sask. Party aren’t exactly known for being open and transparent with the people of Saskatchewan,” Young said. “People have very fair questions that they can’t get answers to, and there’s a growing frustration and lack of trust.

“Every time these guys break the rules or get it wrong — a daily occurrence at this point — it’s the people of Saskatchewan that pay the price.”

Environment Shadow Minister Jared Clarke also sent a letter of his own Friday, questioning Sask. Party Minister Darlene Rowden on why the data centre has not been subject to an environmental impact assessment.

“The Saskatchewan NDP supports economic investment in the province,” Clarke wrote in the letter. “As everyone knows, investment must be transparent and follow all applicable laws and regulations. The importance of doing so is not only to ensure the protection of the beautiful land we all call home, but to maintain public trust in our government institutions and processes.”

Next week, members of Beck’s team will hold an open house to speak with people with questions about the project. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 22 at the Glen Elm library from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

As well, people seeking answers or wanting to provide feedback about the project can email Beck’s team directly at [email protected].

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