Government says proposed framework to set standards for sustainability, economic impact and community engagement
The government is seeking public feedback from New Brunswickers on a developed policy framework to guide the responsible development of data centres in the province.
The framework is meant to protect electricity ratepayers; support the responsible use of energy, water, land and other resources; generate measurable economic and community benefits; promote environmental sustainability; and support national data sovereignty and artificial intelligence objectives.
“This policy will guide the responsible development of any proposed data centre in New Brunswick and support national efforts to build the foundations of sovereign Canadian artificial intelligence,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.
The five focus areas:
· Protecting ratepayers: Any new data centre project must pay for the costs it creates and cannot lead to higher electricity rates for New Brunswickers.
· Sustainable development: Data centre developments must be designed to minimize impacts on water, land, local infrastructure and the environment, while promoting the responsible use of resources.
· Economic benefits for New Brunswickers: Projects will be assessed on the economic benefits they bring to New Brunswick, including new investments, job creation, workforce training, innovation and opportunities for local and Indigenous businesses.
· Long-term impact: The government will prioritize projects that are technically and financially sound, deliver long-term benefits, and align with provincial and national priorities, including data sovereignty and artificial intelligence growth.
· Community engagement and benefits: Meaningful engagement with local governments, First Nations and communities will be required throughout the development process. Transparency, accountability and measurable community benefits will be key considerations in evaluating and approving projects.
To support consistent implementation, departments and agencies will apply a common approach to evaluating data centre proposals. This includes ensuring that no financial support or incentives, land transactions or asset transfers below fair market value are provided unless authorized by government policy.
“New Brunswick has the talent and ambition to compete in an economy being reshaped by artificial intelligence,” said Kathryn Lockhart, executive director of the McKenna Institute.
“Now we need the infrastructure to keep pace. The future won’t wait for us to be ready, and a responsible, community-aligned approach is exactly what we need to prepare for what comes next and ensure development delivers meaningful benefits for New Brunswickers.”
People will have the opportunity to share their thoughts until Oct. 2 through a consultation website.
Preliminary stakeholder consultations are underway, and any required legislative or regulatory changes will begin during the 2026-27 legislative session.
