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Moratorium called on new digital transformation contracts by Quebec government

Québec Opposition Party Calls for Moratorium on New Digitization Projects

An opposition party in Quebec is urging the government to take measures to prevent cost overruns before embarking on any new digitization projects. Québec Solidaire made the call for a moratorium in response to the ongoing public inquiry into the province’s auto insurance board.

Cost Overruns and Controversy

The provincially owned corporation has been embroiled in controversy for months following revelations that its online platform, SAAQclic, was expected to exceed its budget by $500 million. According to Quebec’s auditor general, 14 digital transformation projects are currently over budget by more than 30 per cent.

Party spokesperson Ruba Ghazal expressed concern, stating, “It infuriates me to think that right now, the next SAAQclic scandal is likely unfolding before our very eyes.” The platform, designed to streamline appointment scheduling and other tasks, failed to deliver as expected, leading to backlogs and long queues at service offices.

Call for Action

Ghazal called for a halt on all new digitization contracts until the inquiry’s recommendations are implemented. The opposition party also advocated for the approval of any new cost overruns to be subject to a vote by elected officials at the National Assembly.

Highlighting a specific project, Ghazal pointed to the province’s integrated radio communication network, initially budgeted at $150 million but now projected to cost over $1 billion. She attributed the escalating costs to the hiring of expensive external consultants.

Awaiting Investigation Results

The party emphasized the need for ongoing investigations by anti-corruption police and the public procurement authority to conclude before lifting the moratorium on new contracts. The Gallant Commission, conducting the public inquiry into the auto insurance board, is set to resume in Quebec City.

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This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on September 7, 2025.

The Canadian Press

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