Quebec Premier François Legault testified at the Gallant commission that he was not informed about any budget issues related to the province’s automobile insurance board’s digital transition until an auditor general report earlier this year revealed a $500 million project overrun. Legault stated that he first learned of the cost overruns in February 2025.
The premier mentioned that he became aware of the CASA project, aimed at modernizing various IT systems and enhancing online services through the SAAQclic platform, when long lines formed at Société de l’assurance de l’automobile du Québec (SAAQ) service points in winter 2023.
Legault, who testified last week, highlighted that some of his cabinet ministers were aware of the financial challenges faced by the SAAQ before the auditor general’s findings were made public. The commission, initiated in April, is investigating the CASA project of the SAAQ, which was plagued by significant cost overruns and operational issues, as outlined in the scathing auditor general report.
The inquiry aims to determine the level of knowledge within the SAAQ and the Coalition Avenir Québec government regarding the development stages of the CASA project. Legault mentioned that it was the responsibility of Dominique Savoie, the former secretary general of the executive council and current chair of the SAAQ board of directors, to keep him informed.
Expressing his lack of awareness about the additional costs of the digital transition project, Legault mentioned that the problematic launch of SAAQclic led to the dismissal of the then SAAQ director general in April 2023. He emphasized the lack of proper planning, citing the closure and subsequent understaffing of SAAQ offices during that period.
Legault admitted that his transport ministers could have probed further upon learning about the project’s escalated costs. He expressed the need for accountability from the SAAQ leadership for not properly communicating the budget overruns and deadlines to the government.
The premier criticized the previous Quebec Liberal government for signing what he deemed a poorly negotiated contract in 2017. He stressed the importance of understanding the contract’s terms and negotiations, indicating that this was more critical than focusing solely on the budget overruns during his administration.
The commission heard testimonies from various ministers, including Éric Caire, François Bonnardel, Geneviève Guilbault, Christian Dubé, and Sonia Lebel, shedding light on their knowledge and involvement in the CASA project. The inquiry also revealed instances where key information may not have reached the premier’s office in a timely manner.
Overall, the ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the extent of ministerial awareness, SAAQ leadership responsibilities, and the government’s oversight regarding the troubled CASA project.