Intelligence

Canadian data centre development is entering a critical phase as provincial governments introduce new frameworks for power allocation and pricing. With electricity access becoming increasingly competitive and conditional, developers face evolving regulatory landscapes in British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and Québec that could fundamentally reshape project economics and timelines.

Le gouvernement de la Saskatchewan a récemment établi un nouveau cadre réglementaire pour les centres de données, aligné sur les principes fédéraux canadiens. Ce cadre introduit six principes directeurs, notamment l'exigence que les centres de données développent leur propre capacité de production d'électricité et privilégient la propriété canadienne. Comment ces nouvelles politiques transformeront-elles le paysage des infrastructure

The Government of Canada has amended the Physical Activities Regulations, removing certain intraprovincial energy projects and facilities regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator from the federal Impact Assessment Act's Project List. This regulatory change eliminates automatic federal oversight for fossil fuel-fired power plants and specific oil sands facilities, while transferring assessment responsibilities for interprovincial pipelines and transmission lines to the Canada Energy Regulator, potentially re

On September 3, the Government of Canada published amendments removing seven types of energy projects from the Physical Activities Regulations (the Project List) under the Impact Assessment Act (IAA). As a result, these types of projects will no longer be subject to the IAA but will continue to be regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator Act (CER Act) or applicable provincial environmental assessment regimes.

Canada's mining sector is experiencing a wave of consolidation driven by strong commodity prices, competition for quality assets, and supply-chain security concerns. Despite increasing regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical risk, the market remains active with fewer but larger transactions, particularly in precious metals and critical minerals. Government policy and strategic considerations are increasingly shaping investment decisions as new resources become harder to find in lower-risk jurisdictions.

Digital infrastructure operators in Ontario are capitalizing on Canada’s growing reputation as a premier data centre jurisdiction. Demand for grid access in the province has increased substantially, with an interconnection queue potentially reaching 10,000 MW. In response, on August 13, 2026, the province released its draft Data Centre Playbook (the “Playbook”).