WATCH: AI Minister says publicly-funded data centres must benefit local entrepreneurs — not billionaires

VANCOUVER — Billions of tax dollars are pouring into digital infrastructure across Canada, and while the push for "digital sovereignty" has been lauded, concerns have been raised over who will really benefit.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon said the government would like to see local entrepreneurs and startups, not billionaires and foreign companies, reap the rewards.

"I spent ten years as an entrepreneur — it ain't easy," Solomon said during a press conference at Web Summit on Tuesday. "These [small and medium enterprises], to talk to them; they're not living in survival bunkers drinking champagne."

"Yet," a reporter quipped.

"What do you mean yet?" Solomon pushed back. "We want entrepreneurs to be successful."

He pointed out that the companies in question are startups employing a small number of locals, adding, "let's not demonize these folks."

"We don’t want to be investing public money for people in other countries and billionaires to pop corks in survival bunkers," Solomon noted. "Our job is to help the Canadian economy build in Canada, grow in Canada, solve the problems here in Canada."

When asked whether he would want a data centre in his backyard, Solomon said, "if it's built right, yes."

On Monday, Solomon and Telus CEO Darren Entwistle were joined by a number of municipal and provincial leaders to announce a the creation of new AI data centres in BC. The infrastructure — developed and built in partnership with Telus and Westbank — was touted as an integral step on Canada's journey towards a more independent economy.

The Vancouver facilities will be located at 150 West Georgia Street downtown, and 111 East 6th Avenue in Mt. Pleasant. Some have questioned whether enough has been done to ensure their existence is a net-benefit to the community.

"We should, as a matter of principled policy, take those concerns very seriously," Solomon said, arguing that it's possible to simultaneously build data centres — or any other infrastructure project — and ensure the needs of those living in the surrounding areas are met.