Weekly Briefing - Monday, May 25, 2026

Covering May 18 – May 24, 2026

This week, public protests against AI data centres surged in Vancouver, reflecting growing environmental concerns. Meanwhile, the federal government announced significant investments in AI, aiming to bolster innovation in Alberta and across Canada. These developments impact local communities and the broader AI sector, sparking ongoing debates about technology's role in society.

Theme of the week: Public concern over AI's environmental impact is rising alongside government support for technological advancements.

The week's developments

Hundreds protested in Vancouver against the expansion of AI data centres, highlighting environmental concerns.
The federal government invested $6.8 million in Alberta to enhance AI research and support local businesses.
A Montreal author defended her work after an AI tool mistakenly flagged her story as machine-generated, raising authenticity issues.
Planned demonstrations in Vancouver against AI data centres are set to disrupt weekend traffic, signaling growing public unease.
New Brunswick students expressed mixed feelings on AI use in education, reflecting generational divides on technology's role.

Top stories

'Use your brain': Hundreds march in Vancouver against AI data centre expansion
Hundreds gathered in Vancouver to protest against AI data centre expansion, stressing the need for environmental preservation. The grassroots movement reveals a rising public sentiment against urban development prioritising technology over sustainability. This ongoing dialogue may influence future local policies on AI infrastructure.
Yahoo News Canada
Federal government invests $6.8 million in Alberta artificial intelligence projects
The Canadian federal government announced a $6.8 million investment geared towards artificial intelligence projects in Alberta. This funding aims to enhance local research capabilities and support businesses integrating AI technologies. It positions Alberta as a critical hub for AI innovations moving forward.
WestCentralOnline
Montreal author defends her writing as human after AI detector flagged prizewinning story
A Montreal author faced scrutiny after an AI detection tool flagged her award-winning story as generated by a machine. This controversy highlights concerns over the reliability of AI in assessing human creativity and may lead to greater scrutiny of originality in creative fields.
The Globe and Mail
Massive protest march against Vancouver AI data centres to impact weekend traffic
Vancouver is set to experience significant traffic disruptions this weekend due to a planned massive protest against local AI data centres. Protesters argue that the AI developments jeopardise community welfare and environmental health, reflecting heightened public concern about the implications of AI infrastructure.
Daily Hive
New Brunswick students have mixed opinions on AI in schools
A survey in New Brunswick revealed students are split on the benefits and drawbacks of AI in schools, with some embracing its learning potential while others express concerns about fairness and privacy. This finding underscores the divergent views on AI's integration into education among younger generations.
Global News