A recent survey has revealed that a significant portion of Canadians harbour worries regarding the environmental implications and potential increase in electricity costs associated with artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. Conducted by Leger, the poll found that 81 per cent of respondents fear these facilities could lead to surging power bills, while 79 per cent are apprehensive about their environmental footprint, which includes high electricity and water consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions.
Divided Opinions on Data Sovereignty
The survey also addressed the topic of data sovereignty, asking participants whether they supported the establishment of data centres to bolster Canadian AI services. The results indicated a slight majority in favour: 46 per cent viewed the construction of such facilities as beneficial for national data control, compared to 37 per cent who opposed the idea. Andrew Enns, executive vice-president for Central Canada at Leger, noted that Canadians appear to have mixed feelings about the expansion of data centres across the nation.
Despite the support for data sovereignty, opinions were more divided when it came to the construction of AI data centres within individual provinces. While 44 per cent of respondents supported such developments, 42 per cent expressed opposition, highlighting the complexity of public sentiment on the issue.
Awareness and Responsibility for Energy Supply
The online survey, conducted from July 10 to July 13, included 1,505 participants, reflecting a relatively high level of awareness about data centres—62 per cent of respondents reported being familiar with them. When asked about who should supply electricity to these centres, a majority (58 per cent) felt that provincial governments or electricity providers should be responsible for the power supply. However, nearly a third stated that this should only occur if the companies cover the full costs of energy and necessary infrastructure. Furthermore, 31 per cent believed that data centre operators ought to be entirely self-sufficient in meeting their energy needs.
Growing Opposition and Future Developments
As plans unfold for a substantial expansion of data centres across Canada, most of this growth is expected to occur in Alberta. The centres are likely to draw power from natural gas plants rather than the conventional electrical grid, a move that raises further environmental concerns. Public opposition to data centres has become increasingly vocal in various regions, including Alberta, where local sentiments reflect a hesitance to embrace such developments. Notably, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew recently rejected a proposal for a significant data centre southeast of Winnipeg, underscoring the growing tensions surrounding this issue.
Why it Matters
The debate surrounding AI data centres in Canada is emblematic of the broader struggle to balance technological advancement with environmental sustainability. As the demand for AI services surges, the country faces critical decisions that will shape its energy landscape and ecological footprint for years to come. The voices of Canadians, as reflected in this poll, signal a clear call for careful consideration and transparent dialogue about the future of energy consumption and environmental stewardship in the age of artificial intelligence.