OTTAWA: Canada could significantly expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure, with more than 20 gigawatts (GW) of data centre projects currently proposed or under development, according to a government briefing prepared for international investment outreach.
Officials clarified that the figure reflects announced private-sector proposals at various stages and should not be viewed as a construction forecast. Many projects still face hurdles, including financing, regulatory approvals, electricity availability, and consultations with provincial governments, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders.
The planned expansion aims to strengthen Canada’s position as an AI investment destination, though the federal government expects actual capacity to be far lower. Several proposed projects have also faced public opposition over concerns about electricity demand, environmental impacts, and greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in Alberta, where many facilities would rely on natural gas-powered generation.
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