Alison Redford // Meta's $13B AI Data Centre

Meta's historic $13 billion AI data centre announcement - the largest private-sector technology project in Alberta's history - has people talking about jobs, investment, and economic diversification. It's also prompting tough questions about its massive electricity demand and water use. Former premier Alison Redford (3:15) and Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw (36:10) join us to unpack what it could mean for Alberta's economy, energy sector, and global reputation. 

THIS EPISODE IS PRESENTED BY HANSEN DISTILLERY. ROOTED IN PRAIRIE GRIT AND A REBELLIOUS SPIRIT, HANSEN IS KNOWN FOR AUTHENTIC, SMALL-BATCH WHISKY AND OTHER SPIRITS CRAFTED WITH LOCAL ALBERTA INGREDIENTS. LEARN MORE: https://hansendistillery.com/

REAL TALK FEATURE INTERVIEWS ARE PRESENTED BY MERCEDES-BENZ EDMONTON WEST: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/

THE ALEX COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE: https://www.thealex.ca/

1:03:40 | Real Talker Candace celebrates The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth in this edition of Alberta Wins presented by Play Alberta. 

AS THE EXCLUSIVE BETTING PARTNER OF THE CALGARY STAMPEDE, PLAY ALBERTA HAS PLENTY OF FUN SURPRISES IN STORE. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THE ACTIVATION TEAM FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! MUST BE 18+ TO PLAY. IF YOU GAMBLE, USE YOUR GAMESENSE. LEARN MORE AT playalberta.ca/realtalk

1:06:30 | Singer-songwriter (and Jespo's longtime pal) JJ Shiplett tells us about his new album and documentary project All My Money on Red. Don't miss his performance of A Land Full of Giants (1:29:00)! 

JOIN JJ'S RECORD CLUB: https://www.jjshiplett.com/

REAL TALK ROAD TRIP: CALGARY IS MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR FRIENDS AT THE NATIONAL MUSIC CENTRE: https://www.studiobell.ca/

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: [email protected] 

SAVE on INTERNET, ELECTRICITY, and NATURAL GAS: https://parkpower.ca/

REAL TALK'S LIVE STREAM IS PRESENTED BY CALIFORNIA CLOSETS. BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION: https://californiaclosets.ca/

SIGN UP for YEGplus, CANADA'S FIRST AIRPORT REWARDS PROGRAM: https://yegplus.com/realtalk

SAVE 10% on ONLINE MEN'S CLOTHING PURCHASES at THE HELM with promo code REALTALK: https://thehelmclothing.com/

FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen

REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors

The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.