Saskatchewan’s recently released data centre framework focuses on six principles: Canadian ownership, support for the country’s data and artificial intelligence (AI) sovereignty, the creation of Saskatchewan jobs and partnerships, industry experience, self-supplied power generation, and a centralized provincial intake process.
“The real question is where the infrastructure that powers AI will be built and whose laws will govern it,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister of the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, in a news release. “We can build that infrastructure here in Canada, create Canadian jobs, attract billions of dollars in investment and ensure Canadian data is protected by Canadian laws and regulations.”
“Saskatchewan's business community recognizes data centre development as a significant economic opportunity for the province,” added Prabha Ramaswamy, chief executive officer of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. “A framework with clear principles provides a transparent process by which we can determine how data centres are established and managed.”
According to the Saskatchewan government’s news release, the framework requires new project developers to have their own power supply to ensure consistency, lighten the burden on the province’s electricity system, and refrain from displacing any interprovincial export capacity.
Under the new framework, project developers should determine whether they need an environmental impact assessment and, if so, should fulfill all relevant environmental review requirements under provincial and federal legislation.
More than 30 applications for data centre developments are up for consideration under the province’s new framework.
Goals of Saskatchewan’s data centre framework
The Saskatchewan government explained that the new data centre framework seeks to help it:
- Set clear principles for assessing future data centre projects
- Evaluate proposals through a streamlined, coordinated, consistent, and efficient process
- Support economic growth and investment opportunities
- Ensure that new projects meaningfully benefit the province’s businesses and residents
- Ensure that Saskatchewan can compete in terms of private sector investment and development
- Offer clarity for investors, municipalities, and members of the public
“As interest in data centre development grows, today’s framework provides investors clarity, while ensuring projects are managed responsibly to bring benefits to the province and our people, including the creation of new jobs and investment into our communities,” said Warren Kaeding, trade and export development minister, in the news release.
“This clarity allows us to pursue growth responsibly while ensuring our infrastructure and sovereignty are protected,” Ramaswamy said. “When investors understand the standards and decisions are made consistently, both businesses and communities benefit.”
Indigenous participation
Earlier in 2026, Bell Canada announced a 300-megawatt data centre project in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, expected to generate over 1,600 jobs, up to $12 billion in economic activity, and $720 million in provincial revenues for reinvestment into programs, services, or infrastructure.
During this announcement, Bell Canada and George Gordon First Nation Chief Shawn Longman signed an agreement centred on Indigenous participation and workforce development.
The Saskatchewan government said it encouraged Indigenous partnerships, participation, or equity in further projects.
The provincial government’s news release noted that the new framework reflects input from Indigenous partners and those in business, labour, industry, and the public.
More technology news
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On Aug. 17, the government announced the launch of the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Alliance, alongside Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium, and the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition.
As part of a Tech Week organized by the Prince Edward Island IT Alliance, the province announced on Aug. 10 that five PEI companies, which were working to utilize technological developments in AI to spur industry innovation, received seed capital via the Ignition Fund.
Philippe Dufresne, federal privacy commissioner, announced on July 13 the nine research projects covered by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada’s 2026–27 contributions program funding cycle, with the theme “Achievement unlocked: protecting privacy while online gaming.”
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