N.S. premier’s office scolds professor over comments on AI data centre

The office of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has complained to a Toronto university professor for his comments regarding a proposed artificial intelligence data centre. Sibo Chen, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns about the data centre project's water usage and potential electricity rate hikes during a media interview.

The premier's communications adviser, William Burns, deemed Chen's remarks "irresponsible" and lacking in research. Everwind Fuels, an American AI company, plans to lease the $10 billion data centre to the U.S. firm Anthropic for 20 years. Chen shared the complaint with The Canadian Press, claiming the government was attempting to intimidate him.

He maintained that his comments were based on peer-reviewed research examining the broader implications of data centre development. Burns informed Chen that the government would not support the project if it led to increased power rates for customers. Furthermore, Burns mentioned a CBC interview where Richmond County Warden Lois Landry explained that arrangements are in place to protect residents and limit the data centre's water consumption.

Burns emphasized that the government will not back a project that raises power rates for residents and highlighted the provisions in place to safeguard the public. Chen asserts that the government's response indicates that ordinary citizens do not require concern about the project. He asserts that the Nova Scotia government has not provided sufficient information to the public about the proposed data centre, and he understands why Nova Scotians are apprehensive.