Nova Scotia Rejects Emergency Debate on EverWind Data Centre

Nova Scotia’s government will not recall the legislature for an emergency debate on EverWind’s proposed Point Tupper data centre, leaving discussion for the regular spring sitting as opposition leaders seek enforceable safeguards on electricity costs and water use. Justice Minister Scott Armstrong said Tuesday that an emergency session was not planned because the project remains in its early stages. He said existing provincial and federal guidelines and approval processes apply, and legislators will have time to discuss the project before final decisions are made. Armstrong said the government was not yet considering new data-centre legislation, though it could do so later if needed. New Democratic Party Leader Claudia Chender has asked Premier Tim Houston to reconvene the legislature, saying the project needs public debate and binding rules. Her concerns include possible effects on power bills and water use, as well as whether residents will have a meaningful role in decisions. Liberal legislator Becky Druhan also supported an emergency sitting in a separate letter to Houston. EverWind announced the proposed development on October 16 as part of a plan for more than C$10...