As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly intertwined in N.B’s economy, public services, and even tourism strategies, David and Megan have continuously raised serious concerns to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure without comprehensive protection plans to ratepayers, communities, existing industries, or the environment.
On June 11, 2026, Megan introduced a motion, seconded by David, calling for a temporary moratorium on new AI data centre development until New Brunswick establishes clear protections for electricity ratepayers, communities and the environment. The government voted against the motion.
The motion responded to growing concerns about the enormous electricity demands, infrastructure costs, climate consequences, and environmental risks associated with the AI data centre proposed on government-owned land in Lorneville. The project would draw approximately 200 megawatts from NB Power and another 190 megawatts from a new gas plant owned by Texas-based VoltaGrid. Operating year round, it could use 3.4 terawatt-hours of electricity annually – comparable to Moncton’s electricity consumption and roughly twice that of Saint John.
During the debate on the motion, Economic Development Minister Luke Randall spoke in opposition to the motion and in support of the proposed AI data centre in Lorneville. With time expiring before the end of the session, the Holt government refused Megan’s request to have a vote on the motion. The motion will now die on the order paper.