No urgency from Houston government around additional protections for Nova Scotians on proposed AI data centre: NDP

HALIFAX —On Tuesday, during a Natural Resources and Economic Development Committee meeting, the NSNDP pressed for answers on behalf of Nova Scotians concerned about the impact the proposed AI data centre will have on their power bills, water supply, and personal data.

With no clear assurances that regulations or signed agreements are in place to protect Nova Scotians from additional costs or unintended consequences, New Democrats introduced a motion calling for the Legislature to be recalled. While Liberals supported the motion, the Progressive Conservatives said they were “comfortable with the status quo” and did not allow the motion to be brought for a vote. The motion will be on the agenda for the November meeting of the committee and the NSNDP will again push the government members to support returning to the Legislature to bring forward clear protections for the public.

“Nova Scotians are worried about what this project would mean for their province. The fact is that the Houston government greenlit this project with no consultation, no public analysis of how this project could impact our power grid, and no legal protections specific to this new industry to protect Nova Scotians. People are right to be mistrustful of a massive, American AI company,” said Chender. “Nova Scotians have real questions about how their electricity rates, personal information, and water will be protected — we’ve heard from thousands of them. They deserve clear answers and real protections under the law, not just the Premier’s word on social media.”

In addition to the concerns about potential power bill price hikes, New Democrats raised concerns about the lack of information Nova Scotians have about the Crown land leases, potential tax revenue, the concern that this may stop other new economic development projects who will be unable to buy power from NSP, and the strain the project will put on the province’s power grid.

MLA Sue Leblanc asked the deputy minister of environment about a briefing note her party had received through FOIPOP regarding the environmental assessment for the project. The document written for the Minister of Environment on September 17th said that, “Nova Scotia does not have a regulatory process specific to data centres.” The approval EverWind has secured was given for the green hydrogen energy generation — not a data centre.

“Clearly the Premier seems to think that a Facebook post and media statements are enough to protect people from price hikes and environmental impacts, but we’ve heard from thousands who disagree. Nova Scotians should never be left paying the price for American AI companies to set up shop here,” said Chender. “People need protections written into law, that’s why we need to go back into the Legislature. It’s frankly shocking that the Houston government doesn’t seem to understand the position that they’re putting people in, especially given the very tight timelines of this project.

“New Democrats will continue to use every tool we have to push for real answers, and legal protections for Nova Scotians before this project moves forward.”

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