Central Alberta landowners are raising concerns over large-scale freshwater withdrawals for fracking amid worsening drought conditions, with companies like Spartan Delta and Canadian Natural Resources extracting billions of litres annually. Residents report drying streams and dropping groundwater levels, blaming industrial water use, while regulators face criticism for weak enforcement and insufficient protections. The region, already in Stage 4 drought, risks escalating water shortages for agriculture and residential wells.
Oakville, Ontario, has imposed a one-year moratorium on new data centre developments to assess infrastructure strain and environmental impacts amid AI-driven demand. The decision follows a proposed $3.5 billion AI data centre by BUZZ High Performance Computing, raising concerns over energy use and community readiness. Similar restrictions are being considered in other Canadian cities.
Canada is shifting its foreign aid policy to prioritize trade and economic partnerships, cutting $560 million from programs while reducing staff by 1,240 positions by 2028-29. Critics, including former Liberal MP John McKay, argue the changes may violate the ODA Accountability Act by sidelining poverty reduction and human rights. The move follows a broader $2.7 billion aid budget reduction over four years.
