The final hearing for the public inquiry into the SAAQclic fiasco concluded on Friday after six months and over 100 witnesses testified.
Commissioner Denis Gallant expressed the weight of responsibility, stating that the commission is well-equipped to provide recommendations to the government in February. He emphasized that transparency is vital, especially in the aftermath of scandals, to reassure the public.
Experts at the hearing advised Quebec to invest in internal digital expertise rather than relying on costly private tech firms. They highlighted the benefits of smaller, low-cost contracts to avoid failures like the SAAQ’s digital transformation, which exceeded its budget by nearly $500 million.
The public inquiry delved into the botched 2023 rollout of the SAAQclic platform, leading to delays and public frustration. Premier François Legault faced scrutiny, with critics questioning his government’s efficiency and accountability.
As the election approaches, the impact of the SAAQclic fiasco on Legault’s leadership remains uncertain, with some calling for his resignation.
