AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Professor Receives Criticism from Nova Scotia Premier's Office
The office of Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has openly criticized Sibo Chen, an associate professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, over comments he made regarding a proposed artificial intelligence (AI) data centre in Cape Breton.
Public Concerns Over Cape Breton AI Data Centre
Sibo Chen, who specializes in the discourse around AI data centres, recently spoke to CBC News, stating that public worry about the planned facility in Point Tupper, Nova Scotia, is valid. This facility is set to be leased to the AI company Anthropic, after being developed by EverWind Fuels. According to Nova Scotia NDP Leader Claudia Chender, there has been significant public response since the project's announcement, with thousands sharing their concerns with her party.
Premier's Office Calls Remarks "Irresponsible"
Two days following Chen's interview, a communications adviser from the premier's office, William Burns, sent an email to Chen. The message described Chen's remarks as "irresponsible" and "uninformed." Burns wrote, "Nova Scotians deserve facts, not speculation presented in a way that creates unnecessary anxiety." He criticized Chen for allegedly not conducting sufficient research before making public comments about the data centre. The email also noted that Richmond County Warden Lois Landry had addressed many of the infrastructure concerns, such as water supply and electrical grid impact, in a separate CBC News interview.
Data Centres and Their Environmental Footprint
Data centres, especially those supporting AI operations, are increasingly drawing attention across Canada due to their substantial physical presence and the large amounts of energy and water needed for cooling. Chen's research frequently addresses these environmental impacts and the broader media perceptions they generate.
Chen Surprised by Premier's Response
Chen expressed surprise at receiving direct criticism from a provincial leader's office, noting that although he had written extensively and critically about issues like Alberta's oilsands extraction, he had never received such a complaint from a premier's office before. The email from the premier's office was also copied to both Chen's department chair at Toronto Metropolitan University and to a CBC Nova Scotia reporter who had conducted his interview. Chen interpreted this move as an attempt at institutional pressure.
Debate Over Academic Freedom and Public Discourse
The premier's office's email pointed out Chen's "list of publications and research," commenting that his work focused more on media perception than on environmental technicalities. In response, Chen defended his objectivity and provided examples of his publications detailing the environmental implications of data centres. He sees the response as an attempt to restrict who can participate in public debate and stated that it reinforces his commitment to engaging the public in these discussions. As of the latest update, Chen has not received a further reply from the premier's office.
Ongoing Discussion in Nova Scotia
The issue of the Point Tupper AI data centre continues to garner attention, with both public officials and academics debating the facility's potential impact. CBC News has reached out to Premier Houston's office for further comment but has not yet received a response.
Source: cbc.ca.
