Ontario to approve AI data centres soon despite moratorium calls

The Green Party Leader, Mike Schreiner, is planning legislation to impose a moratorium on new AI data centre construction until stricter guidelines are in place. He argued that simply locating data centres in Canada does not guarantee data sovereignty, citing the risk that U.S.-owned facilities remain subject to American laws. Schreiner emphasized the need for Canadian-owned infrastructure to protect private information and intellectual property.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles indicated her party’s willingness to support the Green Party’s bill, pointing to local moratoriums already implemented in communities like Oakville and Mississauga. While the government frames domestic data centres as essential for economic security and data protection, Fedeli declined to specify a timeline for approvals or confirm whether municipalities would have veto power over projects.