Ottawa unveils voluntary AI data-centre principles as local backlash grows

Canada’s federal government is asking AI companies to follow a national set of principles for data centres, while admitting it cannot compel them to do so.

AI Minister Evan Solomon unveiled the five-point framework in Markham, Ontario, as opposition to new AI-serving facilities grows in several Canadian cities. The principles are voluntary and backed by major companies including Amazon, Anthropic, Google, Meta, Bell Canada and TELUS. They are not legally binding.

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All the questions Canadians are asking about how are we going to build the digital infrastructure of the future are excellent questions ... we get them.

The framework calls on data centres to deliver lasting local benefits, avoid shifting electricity costs onto Canadians, limit water use and environmental impacts, disclose their local effects and provide strategic value to Canada. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities also supports the initiative.

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What will AI do for my community? Who is it going to benefit? Where is it going to be built? How much water will it use? Is it going to affect my power bill? Is there going to be a net benefit to my community?

Solomon said Canadians were asking legitimate questions about where the facilities would be built, who would benefit, how much water they would use and whether they would affect power bills. But he said provinces and municipalities would enforce any applicable standards because the federal government lacks jurisdiction. Provincial regulators control power allocations, while municipalities and provinces decide on locations and approvals.

A York University study released in July found that Canada had four active AI-specific data centres, with 49 more announced or under construction. The rapid expansion has intensified concerns about the infrastructure’s effect on communities and resources.

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We don’t have the jurisdiction.