What’s the Latest: N.S. premier’s office scolds professor over comments on AI data centre
The office of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has formally complained to Sibo Chen, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, regarding his comments on a proposed artificial intelligence data centre. Officials criticized Chen’s remarks as “slanted” and unsupported by local research, while he maintains that his concerns are valid and backed by peer-reviewed studies.
The office of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston issued a complaint to Sibo Chen, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, after Chen expressed concerns about a proposed artificial intelligence data centre’s impact on water usage and electricity rates. Chen’s comments were made in a recent media interview, and he has indicated that he believes the government’s response aims to diminish public concern regarding the project.
The office of Premier Tim Houston has formally expressed discontent with comments made by Sibo Chen regarding the proposed AI data centre, labelling them as “slanted” and not backed by local research. In the wake of public concerns regarding the project, the premier’s office has stated it will not support any initiative that leads to increased power rates for customers and has highlighted existing protections for local water usage.
What remains unclear — It is unknown how the Nova Scotia government plans to address public concerns regarding the proposed AI data centre and its potential environmental impacts.
Nova Scotia Premier’s office reprimands professor over AI data centre remarks
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s office has reprimanded Sibo Chen, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, following comments he made about a proposed artificial intelligence data centre. The centre, intended to be leased to U.S. firm Anthropic, has sparked concerns regarding its potential impact on local water usage and electricity rates.
Last week, a staff member from Houston’s office sent an email to Chen and shared it with CBC News, labelling Chen’s remarks as “slanted comments” that lacked any supporting evidence from local research. William Burns, a communications adviser in the premier’s office, asserted that such statements were irresponsible.
Members of the public and opposition parties have voiced their worries over the $10 billion project planned by Everwind Fuels. Chen, in his media remarks, indicated that these concerns were legitimate and necessary. He shared the complaint with The Canadian Press, suggesting it demonstrated attempts by the government to intimidate him.
In response to Burns, Chen defended his statements by referencing peer-reviewed research on the environmental implications of data centre developments. Burns, in his email, reiterated that the government would not support projects leading to increased power rates and highlighted assurances from Richmond County’s warden, Lois Landry, about safeguards to protect local water resources.
Chen articulated unease with the government’s communication strategy, indicating it might downplay public concerns. He expressed that the Nova Scotia government has not supplied sufficient information to address citizens’ apprehensions regarding the data centre.