The Gallant commission, which is leading the public inquiry into the failed rollout of SAAQclic, is considering summoning Quebec Premier François Legault to testify.
The premier has not been formally summoned, but according to Radio-Canada sources, Legault won’t be afforded any special treatment if the commission goes ahead with the idea.
A spokesperson for the premier’s office told Radio-Canada Legault would be ready to co-operate if the commission deems his participation necessary.
Among those scheduled to testify this week are former cybersecurity minister Éric Caire, Health Minister Christian Dubé and Treasury Board President Sonia Lebel. Dubé held Lebel’s current role from 2018 to 2020.
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault and François Bonnardel, who preceded her in the role before becoming public security minister, concluded their testimonies last week.
SAAQclic is the digital platform that was supposed to streamline several processes conducted by Quebec’s automobile insurance board, known as the SAAQ. The platform was launched in February 2023 with a $500-million cost overrun, according to a report published earlier this year by Quebec auditor general Guylaine Leclerc.
She highlighted serious transparency issues around the true cost of the project at different steps of its development.
A week after the report, Caire stepped down from his role as cybersecurity minister, though he continued to defend his handling of the SAAQclic file.