Again confronted with significant cost overruns in a computer project, this time in Health Québec, the Legault government claims that it will not allow “no enhancement [des budgets] sans justification ».
The Minister of Health, Christian Dubé, reacted to Radio-Canada information on Monday that the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital has demanded from Health Quebec that it ends one of her flagship computer projects.
This is the implementation of an information system for finance, supply and human resources (SIFARH) which must ultimately allow the activities of the new government agency to centralize.
First estimated at 202 million, the cost of the project and supply of the project would now amount to 280.7 million, according to Radio-Canada.
As a whole, Sifarh has to cost 430 million, according to the dashboard for information resource projects from the Quebec government, double its starting price.
Two years late
What is more, it has significant delays when it is estimated that it will now be delivered in May 2028, two years later that initially planned.
“Before requesting more money, the teams must demonstrate that all the options have been assessed and that each dollar is well spent,” maintains Christian Dubé.
“This project remains essential to modernize the IT systems of the health network, as the protector of the citizen strongly recommends. Ultimately, the Sifarh project will save a lot of money and make our health system more efficient for the benefit of patients, “continues the minister.
Certain elements of this file are reminiscent of the SAAQCLIC saga, the digital transformation site of the Quebec Automobile Insurance Company which will cost at least 500 million more than expected according to the general auditor of Quebec.