Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of leveraging data centers to maintain control of Canadian data during his address at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa on Monday. Ford stated that the province will only approve data center projects that contribute to the economy.
Ford highlighted the choice facing Ontario, emphasizing the need to foster the future economy and safeguard Canadian data within the country. He warned about the risk of Canadian data being transferred to the United States and potentially being controlled by President Trump, noting the significance of maintaining data sovereignty.
The recently released Data Centre Playbook by the Ontario government establishes criteria for data center approvals based on three key pillars: economic development, data protection and digital sovereignty, and community investment and public confidence.
In a significant move, Ford declared that data centers will be required to cover the full cost of their electricity usage as outlined in the new framework. He clarified that Ontario will not provide financial incentives to attract data center investments but will rely on the province’s inherent advantages, including its clean and reliable electricity system, available land, favorable climate, and skilled workforce.
Ford emphasized that approved projects must adhere to stringent environmental standards, including water consumption and noise regulations, while also delivering tangible benefits and substantial investments in local infrastructure and host communities. He underscored the potential tax revenue and community benefits that could be generated by embracing data centers while safeguarding Canadians’ data and preventing its potential exposure to external influences like President Trump.
The Premier’s remarks followed decisions by several Ontario municipalities, including Mississauga and Oakville, to implement temporary moratoriums on data centers. Toronto city council also passed a motion urging the province to establish a framework addressing community concerns regarding data centers, with a proposed timeline for implementation by early 2027.
The Ontario Green Party, led by Mike Schreiner, has called for a pause on approving new data centers to assess their environmental impact, energy implications, effects on public health, and job creation. Schreiner raised concerns about the lack of community consultation and safeguards surrounding the construction of AI data centers and questioned the beneficiaries of such developments.
The provincial government is seeking public feedback on its Data Centre Playbook through the Environmental Registry of Ontario and the Ontario Regulatory Registry until mid-September.