Premier of Quebec, François Legault, found himself embroiled in controversy as he claimed ignorance regarding the bill and escalating costs of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec’s (SAAQ) IT project until recently, when the Auditor General of Quebec’s report was revealed.
During his much-anticipated testimony before the Gallant Commission in Montreal, Legault shifted blame onto the directors of the state-owned company for failing to keep him informed about the mounting expenses related to the SAAQ’s technological modernization. He maintained that he only became aware of the project’s costs when the VGQ report was released in February.
The premier admitted that it was not until the unsuccessful launch of the SAAQclic platform in February 2023 that he was made aware of the company’s digital transformation. Legault acknowledged that crucial information regarding the budget overrun should have been communicated to him much earlier.
The CAQ leader faced questioning regarding reports of additional costs for the IT project named CASA from 2023 and 2024, which were not brought to his attention. Moreover, he expressed regret over not being informed about a document warning of a $222 million shortfall for the SAAQclic platform, which was submitted to his then-Secretary General in September 2022.
In his testimony, Legault criticized the management of the SAAQ, highlighting poor contract planning, inadequate system integration, and lack of transparency in information sharing. He emphasized the need for accountability and consequences for those responsible.
Keyphrase: Quebec IT project controversy
