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Legault tells auto board scandal inquiry he only learned of cost overruns in February
Premier Legault said he was informed of the $500 million CASA project overrun only in February 2025 and criticized SAAQ leadership for poor communication and planning.
- Legault told the Gallant commission he first learned of the $500 million cost overruns late and said the transport minister is ultimately responsible for the SAAQ.
- Auditor-General findings earlier this year showed the CASA project proceeded despite improper testing and a $500 million cost overrun on the SAAQclic platform.
- Inquiry documents show that Caire knew the project was over budget by 2021, a 2020 adviser flagged CASA delays, Yves Ouellet was notified of a $222-million shortfall in September 2022, and Dominique Savoie served as secretary general of the executive council.
- After the botched rollout, Legault fired Denis Marsolais, former SAAQ director general, and the government dismissed Éric Ducharme, former SAAQ CEO, while the Gallant commission has been under way since April.
- Legault himself acknowledged that the central issue is whether critical information reached the premier's office, with calls for more accountability and external SAAQ management.
26 Articles
26 Articles
SAAQclic inquiry: Legault says more accountability needed, casts blame elsewhere
Quebec Premier François Legault testified on Tuesday that he was kept in the dark about hundreds of millions of dollars in cost overruns at the auto insurance board, laying most of the blame for the scandal on the leaders of the state-run corporation.
Bowen Island Undercurrent
Auto board scandal: Legault says more accountability needed, casts blame elsewhere
MONTREAL — Quebec Premier François Legault testified on Tuesday that he was kept in the dark about hundreds of millions of dollars in cost overruns at the auto insurance board, laying most of the blame for the scandal on the leaders of the state-run
Legault testifies he knew nothing of $500M cost overrun for auto insurance board project
Testifying at the Gallant commission, Quebec Premier François Legault said he was unaware of any cost overrun issues for the province's automobile insurance board's digital transition until an auditor general report earlier this year revealed the project was $500 million over budget.
Legault "should have" been informed of cost overruns by his ministers, particularly Geneviève Guilbault and François Bonnardel.
Legault Tells Auto Board Scandal Inquiry He Only Learned of Cost Overruns in February
Quebec Premier François Legault says he only learned about cost overruns at the province’s auto insurance board in February 2025. Legault is testifying at a public inquiry examining how the online platform known as SAAQclic cost at least $500 million more than planned. The premier says it’s “not normal” he wasn’t told about the situation before an auditor general’s report in February detailed the overruns. Legault’s appearance comes after previo…
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