Nova Scotia NDP Demands Transparency on EverWind AI Data Centre at Point Tupper
NDP Leader Claudia Chender is calling on Premier Tim Houston and EverWind to provide concrete details about a proposed AI data centre at Point Tupper, citing concerns over power bills, environmental impacts, and tax incentives. The party plans to request an emergency legislative session and has organized protests and town halls across the province.
Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender held a press conference on Thursday demanding that Premier Tim Houston and EverWind provide more details about the company’s proposed AI data centre at Point Tupper, stating the government should "show us, not tell us." 
Chender argued that the public needs concrete information rather than verbal promises regarding potential tax breaks, environmental impacts, water usage, and effects on power bills. She noted that the project will not be subject to an environmental assessment. Finance Minister John Lohr stated that the province is considering tax incentives in the later stages of EverWind’s AI data centre project.
To highlight potential financial risks for residents, Chender cited figures from Alberta indicating that AI data centres in that province may raise Albertans' power bills by $460 a year. Concerns were also voiced directly by members of the public at the press conference. Bethany Isaksen, a Dartmouth resident and registered nurse, expressed concern that building a data centre for an American company does not put the province first, noting that current promises are not legislation or regulations. Sam Walerickton, a Musquodoboit Harbour resident, shared fears about environmental impacts, generative AI, and increased power bills, adding that she had written to Premier Houston about these issues.
Chender suggested alternative uses for the underutilized industrial site in Point Tupper, including warehousing, fishery, and forestry, particularly mass timber.
The NDP plans to request an emergency sitting of the legislature to get answers on the data centre project. The party intends to make this request at the natural resources and economic development committee meeting on Nov. 24. 
In addition to legislative efforts, the NDP is organizing public events. Chender announced she would attend an anti-AI data centre protest in Port Hawkesbury on Saturday. This event is part of several protests occurring across Nova Scotia, including in Sydney, Halifax, Truro, Bridgewater, Kentville, and Westville. The party will also host a town hall on the South Shore on Nov. 16 to hear concerns about AI data centres.