Canada’s growing data centre pipeline represents a major AI opportunity, but greater domestic ownership will be critical to capturing its economic benefits, according to RSM Canada.
In its new Real Economy Canada analysis, economist Tu Nguyen points to research estimating that announced and under-construction projects represent roughly 14 times Canada’s existing capacity. Alberta accounts for 92% of that pipeline, supported by its deregulated electricity market and efforts to attract technology investment.
However, RSM cautions that some proposals are speculative and many may never materialize.
Canada’s electricity, water, land and cool climate make it an attractive destination. Yet large Canadian data centres are predominantly owned by U.S.-headquartered companies, allowing a substantial share of profits to flow abroad.
Meanwhile, host communities face concentrated pressures on electricity grids and water supplies. Local employment benefits are largely associated with construction, with ongoing operations requiring fewer workers.
RSM argues that businesses should build domestic AI capabilities alongside infrastructure, while governments design policies that help Canadians share in the returns.
The challenge is turning a construction boom into lasting Canadian technological capacity.