In the news today: Quebec data centre hearing, food inflation, jobs data due

A hearing in Quebec examined consultants hired by Hydro-Québec regarding proposed new electricity pricing for data centres. Quebec’s energy regulator, the Régie de l’énergie, will question experts as part of the public hearing on the rate hikes, which could increase energy costs to data centres at $13 per kilowatt hour. Experts warn that higher diesel fuel prices could lead to food inflation this fall, as the cost of fresh vegetables from afar becomes more expensive.

Statistics Canada will release its September jobs data later today, with economists predicting 9,200 new positions were created, a slight improvement following a job loss in August. Meanwhile, a former B.C. Conservative candidate faced criticism for racist posts and apologized for them, deciding to run as an independent in a predominantly NDP-held riding.