- Doug Ford warns that failing to build data centres in Ontario risks Canadians’ data being sent to the U.S. and into the hands of President Trump.
- Ford stated, “That would be the worst thing we could ever do, let President Trump control our data.”
- Ontario has announced a Data Centre Playbook to regulate energy-consuming facilities, aiming to attract data centres while addressing environmental concerns.
- Ford emphasized the need for data sovereignty, stating, “We need to make sure we have data sovereignty in our hands.”
- He warned that Ontario must build the economy of the future to ensure Canadians’ data remains in Canada.
- Ford highlighted that U.S. tariffs threaten workers and businesses in Ontario, referencing President Trump’s latest tariff threats.
- Ontario will not offer financial incentives for data centre investments but will rely on its natural competitive advantages.
- Ford stated that projects will only advance if they strengthen Ontario and Canada’s control over sensitive data.
- He assured that only projects meeting Ontario’s strict environmental standards will be considered.
- Ford believes there is a historic opportunity to attract tax revenue while safeguarding people’s information.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that failing to establish data centres in the province could jeopardize Canadians' data, potentially placing it under the control of U.S. President Donald Trump. In a speech to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Ford stated, “That would be the worst thing we could ever do, let President Trump control our data.”123567810
He emphasized the importance of data sovereignty, asserting that Ontario must ensure sensitive information remains within its borders. “Ontario has a choice: we can build the economy of the future and ensure Canadians’ data remains in Canada or we can get left behind,” he said.4
Ford's remarks come amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S., where he noted that “workers and businesses across Ontario continue to be threatened by U.S. tariffs”. He highlighted the province's new Data Centre Playbook, which aims to attract data facilities while addressing environmental concerns.
“We will only advance projects that strengthen Ontario and Canada’s control over sensitive data,” Ford stated, emphasizing that the province will not offer financial incentives but will leverage its clean electricity system, available land, and skilled workforce to attract investments.
Ford concluded by stating, “We have a historic opportunity to deliver for communities across Ontario, attracting millions of dollars in tax revenue while safeguarding people’s information and keeping it out of President Trump’s hands.”
“Ford stated that failing to build data centres could lead to Canadians' data being sent to the U.S., emphasizing the importance of data sovereignty. He also mentioned that Ontario's new Data Centre Playbook aims to attract investments while adhering to strict environmental standards.”
