Sprawling AI data centres are popping up across Canada with dizzying speed. One new development in Saskatchewan was proposed and approved within one month earlier this year, and is now expanding in size.
AI companies have been handed trillions of dollars to spend by investors, who are excited by the idea of replacing millions of workers with chips.
As governments race to make deals, where does that leave our communities, our water and our economy?
Paris Marx is the author of the new book Hyperscale: The Ambition and Excess of Big Tech’s Data Empires. Throughout October and November, the Council will be hosting conversations with him and various local AI Data Centre Organizers across Canada. Tickets are free but there’s a limited supply!
TOUR LOCATIONS
NOVEMBER 13 – TORONTO – 5PM
Location: CSI Spadina – 192 Spadina Ave., Toronto, ON M5T 2C2
Hosted by: Desmond Cole (The Breach)
Desmond Cole is an award-winning journalist and author, and currently works as Senior Journalist at The Breach, and independent Canadian media outlet. His work focuses on Canadian politics, particularly class struggle, policing, government accountability, and Black liberation. Desmond’s works include hundreds of written pieces, videos, and podcasts, a documentary feature, and live radio. His bestselling 2020 book “The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power” won the Toronto Book Award.
NOVEMBER 14 – HAMILTON – 2PM
Location: The Staircase – 27 Dundurn St N, Hamilton, ON L8R 3C9
Supported by local groups such as No AI Greed, Stop the Data Centre, AI is the New Steal
Hosted by: Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (he/him) is a senior researcher and political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. His work focuses on federal economic, social and environmental policy, especially in the areas of climate change, artificial intelligence and industrial strategy.
NOVEMBER 15 – OTTAWA – 2:30PM
Location: Knox Presbyterian Church – 120 Lisgar St, Ottawa, ON K2P 2L7
Hosted by: Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)
Hadrian Mertins-Kirkwood (he/him) is a senior researcher and political economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. His work focuses on federal economic, social and environmental policy, especially in the areas of climate change, artificial intelligence and industrial strategy.
NOVEMBER 20 – VANCOUVER – 6PM
Location: Victory Square Studios – 118 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8
Hosted by: Jen St. Denis (The Tyee)
Jen St. Denis is a reporter and editor with The Tyee. She has covered a variety of topics, including housing, the overdose crisis, politics and justice. In 2023, she won a Canadian Association of Journalists best written news award, and in 2025 she was included in Vancouver Magazine’s “Power 50” list.
NOVEMBER 22 – CALGARY – 5PM
Location: Banff Trail Community Association – 2115 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1J1
Hosted by: Zac Trolley
Zac Trolley is a professional engineer, a father and a space enthusiast. He graduated from the International Space University and holds dual degrees in electrical engineering and professional ethics from Lakehead University. He’s worked across multiple industries and worked on the shop floor, in project design and management in: coal and oil sand mining, developing space resources, and even working on movie sets.
NOVEMBER 24 – EDMONTON – 5PM
Location: University of Alberta (details TBD)
Hosted by: EDMONTON City Councillor Michael Janz
PREVIOUS:
October 23 – Montreal
Location: Maison de Developpment Durable
Hosted by: Rachel Gilmore