Alberta tech minister confronts angry residents at second AI data centre town hall

At a second public hearing in Redwater, Alberta's technology minister Nate Glubish endured a barrage of expletives and pointed questions from community members about an upcoming AI data centre. Residents expressed distrust in the provincial government's ability to regulate the project and complained that the United Conservative administration had delayed informing locals. Glubish responded that the site had been zoned for decades and highlighted the creation of 300 jobs as a benefit, while assuring that new water-protection and setback regulations were forthcoming.

Critics also condemned the government's use of the notwithstanding clause, describing it as “slimy.” The session echoed a previous town hall in Lacombe where Glubish faced similar opposition. Future virtual and in-person town halls are scheduled with Premier Danielle Smith and in Grande Prairie.