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Simon Enoch

@simonenoch.bsky.social
1.1K followers 156 following 421 posts

Senior Researcher - Saskatchewan - Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Interested in populism, propaganda and political economy. So stupendous, living in this tube.

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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 23h
“I think it’s a valuable tool to index the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index, (which) ensures low-wage workers are at least getting an annual bump to keep up with inflation.” The issue, Enoch said, is that minimum wage may be too low to begin with. leaderpost.com/news/saskatc...
leaderpost.com
Sask.'s 35-cent minimum wage increase doesn't cut it: critic
Simon Enoch of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives says it won't cover basic living costs in Regina and Saskatoon.
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Paul Dechene @pauldechene.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
If the AI data centre being built outside Regina ends up being as big as promised, it will use as much power as four Reginas. Simon Enoch from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives breaks it all down on the QCIB: youtu.be/O1u24Kg0LoI?... #yqrcc
youtu.be
QCIB Oct 01 2026 - This Is Fine! with Simon Enoch
YouTube video by PD City Hall — Paul Dechene
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Had a great time on the QCIB w/ Paul & Aidan talking about data and the centres that house them. queencityib.com/podcasts/202...
queencityib.com
Oct 01 2026 - This Is Fine! with Simon Enoch — Queen City Improvement Bureau
We've heard rumours that somewhere beyond the borders of the Queen City there's an "AI data centre" currently being built. Sounds like it might be kind of a big deal. Simon Enoch from the Canadian Cen...
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Brett "Solidarity 2026" Banditelli @banditelli.org · 02/10/2026
The chart explains AI hype more than any chart that's ever been charted.
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Hadrian @hadrianmk.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
If the benefits of AI were obvious—and the harms merely speculative—there would be no need to appeal to the tech’s future promise. Instead the opposite is true. The proliferation of AI is awash in immediate harms but the benefits remain elusive. My latest: www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
All in at the AI casino | CCPA
The federal government is betting everything on an AI future that may never exist
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Vancouver airport said privatization would be ‘irreversible mistake’ in 2016 letter: theijf.org/article/airp...
theijf.org
Vancouver airport said privatization would be ‘irreversible mistake’ in 2016 letter
Documents from ‘Project Eagle’ raise question about federal government’s latest airport privatization bid
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
“A race to build AI data centers before the public can protest.” www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Resisting the data centre invasion | CCPA
Data centre developers and governments are trying to make an end-run around the public, but the public is fighting back
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“Incrementally raising the minimum wage by a few cents every year while non-negotiable expenses like rent rise unchecked will only leave working families further and further behind.” www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...
thespec.com
Minimum wage increases can’t keep pace with rising cost of living
For minimum-wage workers, a few extra cents an hour won’t close the growing affordability gap.
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CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 29/09/2026
On October 1, the minimum wage will go up in five provinces, but for low-wage workers, a few extra cents an hour won't close the growing affordability gap. #canlab @simonenoch.bsky.social @policyalternatives.ca kirklandlakevoice.ca/in-the-news/...
kirklandlakevoice.ca
Minimum wage increases can’t keep pace with rising cost of living - Kirkland Lake Voice
For low-wage workers, a few extra cents an hour won’t close the growing affordability gap
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
$1000 bucks it won’t be an SMR - 300 MW can barely run a third of a data centre these days. www.ckom.com/2026/09/29/s...
ckom.com
Saskatchewan government to confirm nuclear reactor plan
At the Oil and Gas Show in Lloydminster, Premier Moe spoke with reporters and indicated an announcement on nuclear reactors for the northwest region. That announcement is scheduled for Tuesday afterno...
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
“Governments that are serious about addressing the crisis of affordability must confront the gap between what the current minimum wage delivers versus what families actually require.” saskvalleyvoice.ca/business/min...
saskvalleyvoice.ca
Minimum wage increases can’t keep pace with rising cost of living - Sask Valley Voice
For low-wage workers, a few extra cents an hour won’t close the growing affordability gap
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Interestingly, shelter cost increases were highest in Regina, driving Regina’s living wage rate higher than Saskatoon’s for the first time since we began calculating the LW in 2014. 3/3
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Significantly higher shelter costs, increased food prices and reduced government transfers drove the living wage rate higher in both of SK’s major cities. 2/3
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
On October 1, 2026, the province will raise the minimum wage to $15.70 an hour. That falls far short of the latest living wage rate of $22.50 for Regina, and $21.50 for Saskatoon. 1/3 www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Trying to Keep Up: 2025 Living wage update for Regina and Saskatoon  | CCPA
Regina and Saskatoon’s living wage is considerably higher than the paltry legislated minimum wage in Saskatchewan
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Okay this does not inspire confidence. breachmedia.ca/at-canadas-l...
breachmedia.ca
At Canada’s largest AI summit, who’s buying the hype? ⋆ The Breach
Marcus Werner hit the floor—and the street outside—to speak with politicians, executives, and protesters
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
“The very first thing you need to do is ensure transparency,” said Enoch. “If communities say, ‘Look, you know what, we looked at this, we don’t want it,’ they need to respect that.” www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/...
saltwire.com
Questions remain as Houston opens door for data centres in Nova Scotia
Researcher calls for clear regulations surrounding power, water, and community impacts as EverWind looks into a data centre at Point Tupper.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
If we are following the Aussie model, they dropped their price cap after five years, with predictable results. Also if you impose price regulations you lower the sale value of the asset - why are we doing this again?
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Google “Morgan Stanley, Chicago and parking meter concession.” www.bloomberg.com/news/article...
bloomberg.com
Morgan Stanley, CIBC Win Mandate for Sale of Canada Airport Concessions
The Canadian government has hired Morgan Stanley and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce to advise on selling the operating rights to the country’s four largest airports, according to people with knowl...
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Hard not to think this isn’t a deal sweetener for asset recycling investors. “a big push from federally regulated industries to provide more stability and predictability in places like ports, railways and air travel. All have seen work stoppages in the last few years.” www.ctvnews.ca/politics/art...
ctvnews.ca
Feds could introduce new labour legislation as soon as next week: sources
A senior government source tells CTV News that plans are underway to introduce such legislation following a review of the Canadian Labour Code that began in April.
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CCPA — Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives @policyalternatives.ca · 18/09/2026
ICYMI: "So we're talking about almost a third of the electricity that Saskatchewan consumes as an entire province for a single facility," said @simonenoch.bsky.social #skpoli @policyalternatives.ca www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
cbc.ca
Bell AI data centre expansion raises questions about power, water, local impact | CBC News
Bell Canada's plan to quadruple the power capacity of its proposed AI data centre near Regina is raising questions about how the project will affect the province's electricity system and resources.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Postal codes starting with S4V, S4N, S4S, S7L and S7M — will lose door-to-door delivery and transition to community mailboxes in 2027. www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
ctvnews.ca
Several Regina, Saskatoon neighbourhoods to transition to community mailboxes: Canada Post
Several Regina and Saskatoon neighbourhoods will transition from door-to-door delivery to a community mailbox system in 2027.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
“Which, you know, the premier actually stated, if we all remember. He said he’d take a mine over a data centre any day. And certainly from a jobs perspective, I would agree with the premier.” globalnews.ca/news/1206128...
globalnews.ca
10 Questions about Bell’s AI Data Centre Expansion Answered | Globalnews.ca
Through conversations with three experts, Bell Canada, and careful inspection of press releases, Global News seeks to bring you answers to the questions you may have.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
I talk airport privatization and the potential consequences podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/d...
podcasts.apple.com
Does Canada need private airports?
Podcast Episode · The Big Story · September 17 · 26m
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Ford showing his ignorance of how these long-term concession contracts work, the last thing private investors at Pearson would want is expanded competition from Billy Bishop - that’s why these contracts have non-compete clauses. Google “Chicago & Parking meters,” Doug. ca.yahoo.com/news/premier...
ca.yahoo.com
Premier Doug Ford backs Carney's plan for private investors at airports
TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford is fully on board with the prime minister's plan to see private investors take over operations at Canada's four largest airports, including Toronto Pearson, he said...
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James McLeod @jamespmcleod.ca · 15/09/2026
Extremely timely stuff from @vassb.bsky.social in The Walrus. How much foreign ownership is too much? How do we court investment that grows our economy, without just selling off critical capacity? It's possible, but we need a smart strategy. thewalrus.ca/canada-forei...
thewalrus.ca
Canada Is Losing the Fight Against Foreign Ownership | The Walrus
We worried about Americans controlling our mines and factories. Now they dominate our digital economy
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
"There are a variety of ways a for-profit buyer can take today’s non-profit airport structure and turn them into a cash cow for themselves—none of which are going to be good for travellers." www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Air travel in Canada is about to get more expensive | CCPA
The impacts of airport privatization on travellers and workers
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Yes vast majority would be withdrawn and returned, not lost.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Another wrinkle, 900MW plant will demand a lot of natural gas, potentially driving up prices for residential customers (and what SKPower pays to run their plants), so no guarantee "bring-own-power" protects SK consumers from rate hikes
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
the water required for the gas turbine
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
QE Station in Saskatoon is 634MW, which I think is the biggest gas plant(s) in the province
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
That's absolutely right - I was speaking more abstractly, does it warrant the GHG, increased gas demand, enviro impacts, etc for a return of a few hundred jobs and limited economic benefits.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
6. The first 300 MW facility didn't require a formal environmental assessment - does quadrupling it in size reach the threshold for a govt assessment? 7/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
5. Is this going to be more co-location spaces for U.S. tenants like the first 300MW? If so, not clear that data sovereignty can be guaranteed. 6/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
4. 280 to 500 permanent jobs estimated for the data centre AND the power plant. High-end assumption of 0.20 FTE per MWh would be about 240 full-time employees for a data centre this size. 5/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
3. They've tried to put to bed water concerns with the closed-loop cooling system, but a 900 MW power plant would require a large amount of indirect water withdrawals - where is this water going to come from? 4/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
2. How is Bell going to generate 900MW of on-site power? Almost all other DC on-site generation is natural gas. 900MW would be the largest natural gas plant in the province by far - this would require a re-assessment of enviro/noise impacts to nearby residents. 3/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
1. 1.2 GW is almost a third of the power that SK consumes as a province during peak times of the year - for ONE facility. We should be asking if this a wise use of power for the return. 2/7
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A lot of questions re: announcement to quadruple the Bell AI Fabric data centre campus to 1.2 GW 1/7 www.ctvnews.ca/regina/artic...
ctvnews.ca
Bell AI data centre project near Regina to quadruple in size
The size and scope of the Bell AI data centre near Regina have quadrupled, according to the Government of Saskatchewan.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Worst intersection in the city
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
In the end, privatizing Canada’s airports doesn’t solve any of the problems we face. Instead it risks making air travel even more expensive and less pleasant. And Canadians would be giving up democratic control over a critical public asset for generations. www.thespec.com/opinion/cont...
thespec.com
Don’t fall for Ottawa’s airport privatization trap
Privatizing Canada’s airports could mean higher costs for travellers and less control over a critical public asset.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Another data centre?
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Find yourself a government that will go to the wall for you like the AB government does for the oil and gas industry. thenarwhal.ca/alberta-ai-d...
thenarwhal.ca
Leaked doc suggests Alberta has sprawling plans to pave the way for AI data centres, more oil production
Rewriting laws, creating Crown corporations that could rival TC Energy, building new natural gas pipelines and increasing prices for consumers: what a leaked document says about Alberta’s AI data centre and oil push
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
“There is not a single real problem in Canada’s airports that privatization solves. If anything, it will only exacerbate the complaints that Canadian travellers already voice.” www.policyalternatives.ca/news-researc...
policyalternatives.ca
Privatizing Canadian airports means less safety and higher costs | CCPA
The feds may announce an “asset recycling” scheme for Canadian airports at their investment summit in Toronto. It would make air travel in Canada worse.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Worse Mike Davis ever
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Quinn Slobodian @quinnslobodian.com · 03/09/2026
"Data centres do not constitute sovereign AI capability. Countries may host facilities but dispersion of hardware does not equal decentralisation of power." giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
This does not bode well for those actually concerned with data sovereignty, rather than do the hard work of disentangling our digital infrastructure from the Americans, better to jettison the argument entirely.
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
It appears U.S. tech wants to water down what constitutes digital sovereignty to render it absolutely meaningless or do away with the notion entirely as this Meta-sponsored article makes clear: thehub.ca/2025/10/30/a...
thehub.ca
AI sovereignty isn’t the answer for Canada’s economic future
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Simon Enoch @simonenoch.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
How interesting that the feds data centre framework makes absolutely no mention of data sovereignty when they need U.S. tech firms to sign no. www.cbc.ca/news/politic...
cbc.ca
Want to build a data centre in Canada? These are the federal government's new expectations | CBC News
The federal government announced a new framework outlining key expectations for responsible data centre development, as politicians and companies grapple with public pushback to the infrastructure und...
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