The provincial NDP is continuing to push for government transparency surrounding the Bell AI data centre under construction in the RM of Sherwood. On Thursday, NDP MLAs Jared Clarke and Brittney Senger held a press conference to outline their concerns about the project, namely that details on an environmental assessment impact had not been revealed. “From my understanding, we do not believe an environmental assessment has been completed, but we don’t know for sure,” Clarke said. “That was part of what we wanted to know from the government and to better understand why, if one wasn’t done, why was it not completed?” “If one has been completed, what are the results of that assessment?” Plans for a proposed AI data centre were first announced in March, with construction beginning on the project at the beginning of May. The announcement has drawn continued concern from the public, with several protests held against the future facility. Clarke said he had written a letter to Darlene Rowden, the provincial minister of environment, on April 17, 2026, asking why an environmental impact assessment had not been conducted. He said he did not receive a response to that letter. “This is despite making multiple inquiries about a response and being assured that it is on its way,” he said on Thursday. The NDP also drew concern over the government’s lack of transparency regarding an internal risk analysis and said the public deserves to know what is going on with the project. “The people of Saskatchewan are being patted on the head and told to ‘trust them,’” Senger said in Thursday’s update from the NDP. “When a project of this size could affect our public utilities, our environment and our electricity system, ‘nothing to see here’ is not an acceptable answer.’” The NDP further called on the government to disclose the analysis and methodology that the project would generate $12 billion in economic activity for Saskatchewan. The NDP noted they will be holding town halls in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon to hear public concern and continue to advocate for answers. In a statement on Thursday, the ministry of environment says they have been engaged with Bell Canada for several months and will continue to work together as the project continues. The ministry said an environmental impact assessment has not been completed for the AI data centre, as not all projects require assessments. “Whether an assessment is required depends on the nature, scale, and potential environmental effects of the project as outlined in The Environmental Assessment Act,” the statement read. “The ministry understands that Bell has incorporated mitigation measures that will minimize or avoid potential environmental effects from the project.” The statement went on to say that all potential future data centres are required to comply with all legislation, including obtaining necessary permits and approvals. CTV News is a division of Bell Media, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE Inc.
