As artificial intelligence grows, data centres are consuming vast amounts of water for cooling and electricity. Often hidden behind corporate secrecy, this demand strains local supplies, pits tech giants against farmers, and fuels conflicts worldwide. Canada is only beginning to confront the environmental costs of hosting such facilities.

Canadians have an opportunity in this election to demand that politicians sincerely commit to divesting from American imperial warfare. Rather than fixating on the merits and demerits of the F-35 and jobs, they should press political parties to affirm their commitment to international law and human rights—and demand they follow through.