Saskatchewan NDP MLA’s are calling on the provincial government to provide more information about a proposed artificial intelligence data centre in Moose Jaw, following a town hall meeting. NDP MLA’s returned to the legislative building after meeting with Moose Jaw residents. “The people in Moose Jaw were loud and clear, and I hope Megan Patterson and Tim McLeod are willing to meet with them, talk to them, remember who they serve and provide them some basic information,” said NDP MLA Aleana Young. The proposed $485 million AI data centre would be built on the grounds of the former Valley View Centre. Over 6000 people have signed an online petition opposing the project because of its close proximity to a nature refuge. “People want answers. They deserve transparency from the government so we are going to continue to ask questions and hopefully this government will finally respond,’ said NDP MLA Brittney Senger. The provincial government has stated it will not supply electricity to the data centre, effectively killing the proposal in its current form. In a statement to CTV News, they said they “have already confirmed that the proposed AI data centre is not proceeding. There is no application before government, no approval being considered and therefore no information to provide.” The province has not explicitly said there can’t be a data centre in Moose Jaw, and one could be built in a different location. The NDP says it would be open to considering that option, provided there was consultation and community support.
