The debate surrounding the proposed $10 billion data centre in Point Tupper is moving beyond social media, with protests now being organized across Nova Scotia.
Benjamin Lauzon is one of the people helping organize the demonstrations, planned for November 7.
Lauzon says he became involved shortly after the data centre was announced on October 16. He says he felt residents needed an opportunity to have their voices heard.
Public outcry has resulted in significant social media posts, as well as an online petition with over 19,000 signatures so far.
The protests are being driven by concerns about transparency, environmental impacts and the public’s ability to make an informed decision about the project.
Lauzon questions whether enough environmental work has been completed specifically for the proposed data centre. He says, in his view, existing studies have relied on information from an earlier project rather than new studies focused on the current proposal.
“I personally don’t understand how this is even passing Canadian environmental law,” Lauzon said, adding that he believes more information is needed.
For Lauzon, however, the issue goes beyond someone stance on the data centre.
Lauzon says the central concern is public involvement.
“The fact that they are not giving the voice to Nova Scotians to make an informed decision is, I think, one of the big points of our protest,” he says.
Five protest locations are now planned across Nova Scotia for November 7. Lauzon says people who cannot attend a scheduled demonstration are being encouraged to organize their own local action.
A fifth protest has been added at Civic Square in Truro for the same date and time.
Lauzon says the focus is on learning more about the proposal and sharing information.
He adds the protesters want to demonstrate that Nova Scotians expect to be part of major decisions affecting their communities.
Lauzon shared he would like to see a public inquiry and believes greater transparency is needed before residents can make informed judgments about the project.
