FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RED DEER – It was standing room only as Red Deer and area residents joined Alberta’s New Democrat Caucus members Wednesday night to share their concerns about AI data centres Danielle Smith and the UCP are approving without any consultation or environmental assessments.
“Danielle Smith and the UCP aren’t interested in listening to Albertans”, said Naheed Nenshi, Leader of the Official Opposition of Alberta. “That’s why we took it upon ourselves to engage with Albertans. We will take what we hear and that will become the basis of our AI data centre plan.”
The UCP made fun of Alberta’s New Democrats for consulting, but now they have decided they will be doing their own town halls – pretending to consult Albertans – after announcing major projects.
“Albertans won’t be fooled by the UCP’s town halls because the premier has already decided AI data centres are going ahead whether residents want them or not”, said Nathan Ip, Shadow Minister for Technology and Innovation. “Alberta’s New Democrats believe major projects must be in the best interest of, and supported by, Albertans.”
Attendees expressed concerns over the impact of the centres on air, water, and land, saying they don’t understand why there are no assessments, rules or regulations. They wanted to know why the centres are being built close to major population centres or on essential farmland. They wanted to know how their power bills are going to be impacted after Danielle Smith lied about these massive projects being required to bring their own power.
And, they told us they were thrilled to finally have their voices heard.
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