Saskatchewan has committed three Crown corporations and backstopped a $2.6-billion coal-refurbishment program partially launched to support Canada’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) data centre. However, it has no guarantee of getting an appropriate return. That is a problem — and without a framework for future megaprojects, the problem will only grow.

In March, BCE Inc. announced it will build a $1.7-billion AI facility near Regina, drawing 300 megawatts of power from the provincial grid. Bell CEO Mirko Bibic confirmed that power availability was the primary factor in choosing Saskatchewan and insists that no public funds will be used to build the AI data centre.

However, the provincial government is making a significant contribution. SaskPower is building the transmission lines, SaskTel is providing the fibre and SaskEnergy is developing a new high-pressure gas pipeline.

The $2.6-billion coal program — disclosed in SaskPower’s recent filing for a rate increase — is nearly three times the $900-million estimate from late 2025. SaskPower is seeking rate increases of nearly four per cent each in 2026 and 2027.

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Its application does not mention Bell’s AI data centre directly but says the proposed rate increases are needed in part to help pay for several capital investments, including refurbishing the province’s coal plants. Crown Investments Corporation Minister Jeremy Harrison credits the coal decision with enabling the Bell deal and says having Bell as a large new customer could help mitigate future power costs.

The investment is real. So is the question of what Saskatchewan secured in return.

Bell said in its announcement the facility is projected to generate economic value of up to $12 billion for the province over time, including short- and long-term job-creation, tax revenues and broader economic benefits.

It added that........

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