(Photo: saaqclic)
Montreal, QC — March 15, 2025
A massive public spending and oversight scandal in Quebec has unfolded around the province’s attempt to modernize the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) online systems — a project that has seen cost overruns of at least $500 million, political resignations, and a high‑profile public inquiry. (turn0news1)
Mounting Cost Overruns and Auditor General Report
The controversy centers on SAAQclic, an online platform intended to streamline services such as driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registrations, and appointments. The project, launched in February 2023, was originally budgeted for around $638 million but has since ballooned, with the Quebec Auditor General reporting overruns of at least $500 million — bringing the total to more than $1.1 billion. (turn0search19, turn0search12)
The Auditor General found that significant tests were incomplete at launch, leading to widespread malfunctions and long lineups at SAAQ service centres. Many Quebecers faced delays renewing licences or completing other routine services because the online system was not fully functional. (turn0search19)
Minister Resignation and Government Response
Political fallout was swift. Éric Caire, Quebec’s Minister of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology, resigned on February 27, 2025 amid pressure over the scandal and the government’s handling of the project. Caire described the controversy as “totally unacceptable” as cost overruns and management failures came to light. (turn0news0, turn0search14)
Quebec Premier François Legault appointed Gilles Bélanger as Caire’s replacement to steady departmental leadership and help address the crisis. (turn0search14)
Public Inquiry: Gallant Commission
In response to the crisis, Premier Legault ordered a public inquiry to examine the causes, cost overruns, and decision‑making failures that led to the SAAQclic debacle. The Gallant Commission, headed by Judge Denis Gallant, began hearings in April 2025 and wrapped up public testimony in October 2025. The commission was tasked with reviewing more than 200,000 documents and hearing from officials, experts, and former executives about project missteps. The final report and recommendations are due by February 13, 2026. (turn0search10)
Premier Legault himself testified before the inquiry in September 2025, stating he was not aware of the extent of cost overruns until early 2025 — a claim that drew scrutiny from opposition parties and inquiry members. (turn0search24)
Accountability and Continuing Investigations
The inquiry has examined internal communications and decisions stretching back years. Testimony revealed that officials had early warnings about cost increases and delays but failed to act decisively. Testimony also highlighted that key ministers and their staff members were aware of internal concerns yet did not fully address them publicly. (turn0news1)
Quebec’s Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) — the province’s anti‑corruption unit — has also opened an investigation into possible wrongdoing connected to the SAAQclic project, signaling that legal scrutiny may extend beyond political and administrative review. (turn0search20)
Broader Impacts and Public Frustration
The SAAQclic fiasco has damaged public confidence in large‑scale government IT projects and raised broader questions about government transparency, contract oversight, and accountability. Citizens frustrated by poor digital services and ballooning costs have called for more rigorous governance and clearer communication from elected officials.
Critics contend that the cost overruns represent one of the most significant provincial spending scandals in recent Quebec history, akin in impact to previous high‑profile corruption investigations. As the province heads toward the October 2026 election, the SAAQclic scandal is likely to remain a central issue in debates over governance and public trust ahead of the vote.