The True Post (Web News)Quebec Premier François Legault has been summoned to testify before the Gallant Commission regarding the failure of the provincial automobile insurance agency’s digital system. Both the Premier’s office and the Commission have confirmed this. His testimony is expected next Tuesday.
The Premier’s office stated that Legault was called to appear before the Commission, which was created by his government to shed full light on the situation and to ensure all necessary lessons are learned. According to the statement, the Premier will fully cooperate because it is important for him that the people of Quebec receive all the answers.
The Commission is investigating the facts surrounding the failed digital project of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
According to the Commission, the Premier’s chief of staff, Martin Koskinen, and his former close aide, Yves Ouellet, have also been summoned to testify next week.
Warnings Ignored in Advance
It was revealed last week that the Premier’s office had already been warned in 2020 about problems with the project and the risk of cost overruns. It was also reported that Yves Ouellet was informed in September 2022 about an additional deficit of $222 million spent on the project.
Former Official’s Testimony
Pierre Rodrigue, a former senior official with the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs, stated that he was never informed in 2022 about the additional expenses.
He testified that in October 2022, during a meeting with Minister Éric Caire and other officials, he was told that the project’s budget was still within the $682 million approved in 2020. However, at the same time, a supplementary contract worth approximately $45.7 million was being considered, which was signed on October 31, 2022. Rodrigue said this was never mentioned at the meeting, nor was he informed.
Massive Cost Overruns
According to Quebec’s Auditor General, the project will now cost at least $1.1 billion half a billion dollars more than originally estimated.
Former Minister Éric Caire is also scheduled to appear before the Commission this week. He resigned from his post in February after the Auditor General’s report was released.
Threatening Messages
During his testimony, Rodrigue revealed that after the Commission was established in March, he received an anonymous threatening message warning him that he would be blamed for the project’s failure.
He also said that in 2022 he had received anonymous messages as well, though they were non-threatening and relatively mild in tone.
Commissioner Denis Gallant called the matter serious and said authorities would be informed for investigation.