B.C. NDP pledges 'toughest rules in North America' on AI data centres and watershed protection
David Eby promises to bring data centres under the Water Sustainability Act and continue $30M watershed funding.
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B.C. NDP Leader David Eby announced Friday that his party will impose what he called "some of the toughest rules in North America" on AI data centres and watershed protection if re-elected. Speaking at a Comox Valley campaign stop, Eby said data centres would be brought into the Water Sustainability Act and the government would continue its $30 million investment into the Watershed Security Fund.
"I believe water needs to be protected, and I believe the priority should be British Columbians, not big tech firms," Eby said. The pledge also includes advancing the federal government's "30 x 30" nature protection plan — conserving 30 per cent of B.C.'s land for environmental and habitat protection by 2030.
The announcement came as the Comox Valley faces its lowest reservoir levels in 60 years. Meaghan Cursons, a Cumberland resident and watershed activist who spoke at the event, said the fund is critical for rural communities where watershed lands are owned for industrial forestry. "Investment in this Watershed Security Fund is critical to support local communities on a path towards protecting and co-managing community drinking water systems and the surrounding lands," Cursons said.
The pledge highlights a key difference between the NDP and B.C. Conservatives on environmental regulation as the province heads toward a snap election.
The facts
What will the B.C. NDP do with data centres if re-elected?
The B.C. NDP will bring data centres under the Water Sustainability Act and impose what leader David Eby called 'some of the toughest rules in North America' on AI data centres.
How much will the B.C. NDP continue to invest in the Watershed Security Fund?
The B.C. NDP will continue a $30 million investment into the Watershed Security Fund.
What environmental goal does the B.C. NDP pledge include?
The B.C. NDP will advance the federal government's '30 x 30' nature protection plan, which aims to conserve 30 per cent of B.C.'s land for environmental and habitat protection by 2030.
