The call comes in the wake of the Sask. Party refusing to consult with the public on a hyperscale AI data centre in the RM of Sherwood before it was first announced early this year and failing to consult before it was quadrupled in size last week.
“What we have seen is a pattern of shady backroom deals that shut out everyday Saskatchewan people entirely,” said Brittney Senger, Shadow Minister for Tech, Innovation & AI. “This has to stop — Saskatchewan people deserve a say in the future of their communities and there are major, serious concerns about the power, water usage and environmental impact of these data centres.”
The Sask. Party
itself said on Aug. 27 that there currently are more than 30 applications for data centre developments in the queue for evaluation.
“Are they near Regina? Saskatoon? Prince Albert? Moose Jaw? Rural communities? People deserve to know what could be coming to their own backyard before decisions are made behind closed doors,” Senger said.
Carla Beck has demanded a moratorium on hyperscale AI data centre development until a proper assessment process and robust public consultation are in place. Her call came following public consultations led by her team in Regina, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, where residents have raised questions about electricity demand, water, environmental impacts, land use, data security, jobs and costs to communities.
Senger is calling on the government to disclose the municipality associated with each of the 30-plus applications, along with the proposed size and power requirements of each project and the current status of its application.
“Saskatchewan people don’t trust this government — not after 20 years of secrets, scandals and corrupt deals to line the pockets of Sask. Party friends and insiders,” Senger said.
“Scott Moe needs to release the list, tell communities what's being proposed in their backyard and give people a meaningful opportunity to have their say before these projects move ahead.”
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