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  "path": "/2026/06/04/an-open-letter-to-hamilton.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-04T17:12:53Z",
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  "textContent": "MP Rana, I have a few questions about your governments newly announced “AI for All” policy that I would appreciate answers to. On the same day that this policy was announced, hundreds of your constituents gathered at Hamilton City Hall to protest the planned construction of an AI data centre in Hamilton’s waterfront, and more than a thousand constituents sent in written comments to the committee of adjustment almost entirely in opposition to this project. How do you see your government’s policy responding to the concerns of your constituents with regards to the environmental, economic and health impacts AI data centres have on the people and spaces they occupy? There seems to be a certainty and inevitability baked into this policy. Every pillar is focused on doubling-down on AI adoption (without clear definition of what kind of “AI” we’re talking about) in any and all areas of our lives. Why do you think your government feels there is no space to prioritize freedom, choice, consent or opting out of AI as a core of our national AI policy? Should we not be looking to regulate and formalize ways for Canadians to choose AI for themselves, rather than forcing it down our throats? Your government’s approach to projects “in the national interest” seems to fail to consider the voice of the majority of working Canadians as important to those interests. How do you think Hamiltonians should feel about decisions regarding AI adoption being fast-tracked and pushed through at the expense of environmental regulations, indigenous consultation or public input? What avenues could we expect to have to voice our concerns or attempt to shift the trajectory of mass adoption of AI? Your government says “privacy” is a pillar of AI policy, but bill C-22, an actual piece of legislation your government has tabled and is in the process of trying to pass, is a clear backslide at a massive scale for Canadians’ digital privacy. This bill is so unpopular that a petition for its withdrawal has over 8000 signatures, and everyone from privacy advocates to tech companies like Apple have spoken out against its implementation. How do you reconcile this conflict between what your government says it values and what it is demonstrating it actually values through its actions? How can we trust that privacy matters at all to your government when this is the kind of policy you are trying to pass? What is your (you specifically, Aslam Rana, our representative in Parliament) personal opinion of AI, the AI industry, generative AI tools and the companies that create and operate them? Since you are our only voice in government, I think we deserve to know any biases or opinions you have on this contentious issue in order to understand whether or not our concerns will be heard in good faith and brought forth in government with any care or consideration. Is there any area or situation you can see in our lives where AI not only doesn’t apply but specifically should not be implemented? The “AI for All” policy shows no consideration for constraints on where AI should be implemented, and seems to naively believe that only benefits can come from forcing this technology into all avenues of our lives. What is your opinion on this? This is only a small number of questions brought up in immediate response to your government’s newly announced policy priorities. I promise you I will have more questions and concerns. So far I have never heard back from your office about a single one of my concerns or questions regarding policy direction and your thoughts, opinions or views on any issue remains opaque to me. That is why I am sharing this letter publicly, and will encourage more of your constituents to reach out with similar questions of their own. I hope you will find the time to answer this message, even in brief, so we can understand who is representing us and what your priorities are. I think your constituents deserve that much. Thank you. Simon Peng Hamilton Centre Resident",
  "title": "An Open Letter to Hamilton Centre MP Aslam Rana re: the Government's \"AI for All\" Policy Announcement",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-04T17:12:57Z"
}