NVIDIA, AMD and Intel are among 19 additional organizations backing Canada’s Responsible Data Centre Development Principles, expanding industry participation as the country pursues new AI infrastructure investment.
The federal government announced the additions today, bringing the total number of signatories to 42.
Other new participants include IBM, Lenovo, Schneider Electric, Global Relay, STACK Infrastructure and Vantage Data Centers. Construction and energy organizations including EllisDon, Enwave Energy Corporation and Energy Storage Canada have also joined.
The principles establish five expectations for development: lasting local benefits, protection for electricity ratepayers, reduced water use and environmental impacts, transparency about local effects, and strategic value for Canada.
The expansion follows the framework’s September 3 launch, when 23 organizations signed on. Initial supporters included OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon Web Services, Bell and TELUS.
As DataCentre.ca previously reported, the framework addresses a central question facing major projects: who pays for the power infrastructure needed to support them? Ottawa’s position is that existing electricity customers should be protected from costs associated with new facilities.
The broader signatory list brings chipmakers, equipment suppliers, developers and energy providers into the initiative. Its practical significance will depend on how those commitments appear in individual projects, from electricity arrangements and water systems to local procurement and community disclosure.