Nova Scotia Liberal leadership candidates clash over data centre governance in Yarmouth debate
Amanda Mombourquette and Becky Druhan debated the potential development of data centres in Nova Scotia during their second leadership debate in Yarmouth. The candidates diverged on whether new provincial rules are needed to govern proposals such as Everwind Fuels' exploration of a facility in Point Tupper, while Premier Tim Houston pledged to protect ratepayers from rising costs.
Nova Scotia Liberal leadership candidates Amanda Mombourquette and Becky Druhan met for the second of three debates on Thursday night in Yarmouth, N.S., where the governance of potential data centres emerged as a key point of contention.
The discussion followed a recent revelation by Everwind Fuels that it is exploring a potential data centre at its property in Point Tupper.
Becky Druhan, MLA for Lunenburg West, stated that clear rules must be in place before any data centre proposal advances in order to address community concerns. She emphasized the need to protect Nova Scotia's interests by ensuring water and power rates do not rise for ratepayers and that adequate supply is maintained through provincial laws or regulations. Druhan also criticized the government for fostering conversations about data centres behind closed doors rather than encouraging public dialogue.
Amanda Mombourquette, deputy warden for Richmond County, took a different approach. She suggested that increased users on the system could help keep power rates affordable and stable. Mombourquette warned against creating a negative public dialogue when there is no detailed proposal to judge yet. She stopped short of supporting dedicated provincial rules for data centres, suggesting instead that existing environmental laws and federal guidelines could serve as a guide.
Premier Tim Houston stated that if a data centre goes ahead, he will ensure it does not drive up costs for ratepayers.
The final debate among the Liberal leadership candidates is scheduled for October.