Alberta’s data centre push is trouble for Danielle Smith
Summary
Exclusive CBC polling reveals that only 7% of Albertans strongly support data centers, with opposition crossing both rural and urban lines. Host Kathleen Petty and producer Emily Williams explore this backlash through on-the-ground reporting in Panoma and Sturgeon counties, where residents fear environmental and economic impacts. Political analysts Trevor Harrison and Jason Marasoff discuss how this "sleeper issue" is eroding support for Premier Danielle Smith and the UCP, coinciding with declining momentum for Alberta’s separatism referendum.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Perk travel and spend platform
Intro: Data center opposition and polling preview
Polling results: Only 7% strongly support data centers
Field report: Visiting rural Alberta farms
Interview with Rita Reich on noise and community pushback
Government strategy: Minister Glish pitches to Big Tech
Town hall feedback and proposed Sun Favor project details
Sturgeon County: Meta project and municipal perspective
Political impact: Voters regretting conservative support
Closing field segment: Trust in technology and AI fears
Panel intro: Polling data and guest introductions
Analysis: Cross-partisan and geographic opposition
Key concerns: Electricity costs, water, and AI ethics
Political capital: The 'sleeper issue' and elite-driven tech
Sponsor: Perk and CBC podcast promotion
Horse race: NDP and UCP tied at 41% support
Separatism: Slipping support and referendum fatigue
Referendum mechanics: Why citizens are unhappy with questions
Regional breakdown: Calgary vs rural sign counts
Orphaned voters and intra-party splits within UCP
Outlook: Managing the party and future elections
Outro: Credits and 'data' vs 'data' debate
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