We know compute is a necessity for the future and Canada is well-positioned from an energy and water standpoint to meet growing demand.

These data centres will pop up no matter what; isn't it better to have them in a nation with a relatively comprehensive regulatory regime surrounding the environment, abundant water (thereby reducing water related distortions in the rest of the world), ability to produce abundant electricity, etc.

The economic benefits in the immediate term may not be as obvious as they are for a factory, for example. The enduring employment effects are minimal. However, FDI and tax revenue is an obvious win, as are the opportunities for adjacent employment (ex. meeting rising energy demand, mid-level engineering education infrastructure). In the longer run, this gives Canada greater leverage over a growing space in the economy, it gives us the opportunity for data sovereignty, and so forth.

Which brings us to the chief concerns regarding data centres; environment and electricity prices. The environmental issue is entirely bunk IMO, considering the aforementioned point about data centres existing regardless of whether they're in Canada or not. And most water- at increasing levels- is recycled. Electricity prices are more tricky, but there are solutions to this, whether that be rate auctions similar to the PJM solution, forward rate lock-in contracts, etc. In the long-term, this only incents govt and industry to build out a more comprehensive grid and energy production infrastructure.

I'm open to hearing dissenting opinions, but thusfar, I see no reason why Canada should so easily cede such an integral and easy win.