The federal government has announced a framework outlining expectations for companies that want to build artificial intelligence (AI) data centres in Canada, including minimizing water and electricity usage.
“Canada is building the digital infrastructure we need to lead in the age of AI, grow our economy and strengthen our sovereignty. But how we build matters,” Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon said in a Sept. 3 statement.
The framework includes five expectations for data centre projects: that they create lasting local benefit, do not shift electricity costs onto Canadians, minimize water usage and environmental impacts, be transparent about the impacts on local communities, and bring strategic value to Canada through investment, workforce development, and research partnerships….