The New Brunswick government has developed a policy framework it claims will guide the responsible development of data centres in the province – and is seeking feedback from the public.
The government says the framework is intended 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.
“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.
