As the development of data centres becomes more popular, globally, the Province is releasing a Data Centre Framework to help guide future related opportunities in Saskatchewan.

The Province says SaskTel currently owns and operates 6 data centres for cloud storage, and Saskatchewan currently has over 30 applications for data centre developments in the queue. Already underway is the construction of Bell Canada’s 300MW data centre in RM of Sherwood.

To ensure these projects proceed with clarity, the Province compiled the Framework with feedback from business, labour, industry, Indigenous partners and the public. It includes six key principals; such as Canadian ownership, support for Canadian data and AI sovereignty, the creation of Saskatchewan jobs and partnerships, industry experience, self-supplied power generation, and a centralized provincial intake process.

Minister Jeremy Harrison says, “The reality is that AI is here, and it will play a significant role in our lives and our economy. The real question is where the infrastructure that powers AI will be built and whose laws will govern it.”

Six key principles will guide the assessment of future data centre projects. These principles focus on Canadian ownership, support for Canadian data and AI sovereignty, the creation of Saskatchewan jobs and partnerships, industry experience, self-supplied power generation, and a centralized provincial intake process.