The NDP says all progression on data centres needs to come to a grinding halt until more homework is done.

AI Critic Brittany Senger says after hosting several community forums on AI data centres, the NDP has gathered that more public consultation needs to be completed on a topic that could have significant impacts on Saskatchewan residents.

“The people we heard from weren’t opposed to investments. They weren’t opposed to new technology. They want Saskatchewan to grow…but they also expect the government to do its homework.”

Senger made the comments while standing at the site of a proposed data centre in Corman Park, just southeast of Saskatoon. It’s one of 30 that are waiting in the queue to be approved, according to the Province.

“That would be a massive project that would have significant impacts for Saskatoon and surrounding communities, but the people that live here have been left with far more questions than answers.”

She also referenced the project being built in the RM of Sherwood near Regina, which recently quadrupled in size.

“To me, that’s crazy. When have you ever seen a project move that quickly? The government needs to slow down. They need to consult the public. The public needs to know what those conversations are, and they deserve to have a say in what’s going on in their communities.”

She says residents are posing questions regarding environmental, financial, and data threats, topics that were not covered in the Province’s AI Policy Framework, released last month.