The lessons of the SAAQCLIC fiasco

The 1.1 billion skid of the SAAQCLIC project has turned the spotlight on the major Quebec computer projects that collect delays. Furthermore, cost exceeding. In addition, And there are many. Furthermore, What learnings can be drawn from the quagmire in which the Automobile Insurance Company of Quebec (SAAQ) bugged?

Hydro-Québec: Learning. Moreover, cost exceeding

Before embarking on a colossal digital transformation, Hydro-Québec had already analyzed the computer projects that have derailed. In addition, “And more recently. Therefore, we looked at what happened with Saaqclic,” said The press Cyril Jaouich, director of evolution of network driving systems at Hydro-Québec, in lessons saaqclic fiasco the past few weeks. Moreover, “Do we have a risk of meeting where they met?” What made them encountered this or that problem? Consequently, »»

Because the site of a computer platform which must orchestrate the entire production. Moreover, electricity transport is more complex than anticipated when Hydro-Québec started it in 2018. Moreover, The launch of this nerve system for the proper functioning of the Crown Company was rejected from 2023 to 2027.

The Crown Company has increased elements such as lessons saaqclic fiasco the hourly rates of its consultants. For example, the strategies surrounding the deployment of the various projected systems. Meanwhile, Objective: brake delays and control costs.

Today, the early bill exceeds the envelope of $ 541 million initially planned by 14 %, recently revealed The press.

The situation could have been worse. However, admits Cyril Jaouich, if it had not been the flat-rate agreement that Hydro-Québec concluded with Osi, an American company which oversees the work in 2019. However, “We have established a price for all the works. Nevertheless, rather than for the time it takes to do them,” he summarizes.

As a threat hovering over current large sites. However, the SAAQCLIC Fiasco stands out as the perfect counterexample for IT project managers-the way not to follow.

A trying site at the lessons saaqclic fiasco CCQ

The Gallant Commission already throws the tags of what the rules of the art should be for the digital transition of public. For example, almost public organizations, suggests Audrey Murray, CEO of the Quebec Construction Commission (CCQ).

His team is an assiduous audience of the audiences that took place in the spring and which resume next Monday. However, “We look at what takes place at the Commission. In addition, We hear the questions that are raised and I bring these questions to ask my teams. »»

The Numériccq site is the cornerstone of the computer turn in construction. It was to be finished in 2023, but on arrival at Audrey Murray that year, the project was beating the wing.

The first phase of the system, developed in partnership with Deloitte and SAP, is still not deployed. The invoice now exceeds 30 % the budget of 280 million initially planned.

“Looking at what’s going on. I remember as a lesson that you have to be transparent with our instances, but also with our customers. We must also constantly have the right time on the progress of the project, ”she says.

Health observation projects

With its enormous IT projects in progress. the Ministry of Health and the new Health Quebec agency also have lessons saaqclic fiasco many lessons to be learned from the quagmire in which SAAQ got bogged down.

In the past few weeks. the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital has asked to “cancel without delay” the realization of a major project which must centralize the internal management of the health network. Reason invoked: deadlines and cost-effects, Radio-Canada reported in July.

The finance. supply and human resources information system (SIFARH) is already two years late, according to the Government’s IT project. And it faces considerable cost overrun: government estimate increased from 202 to 430 million.

But the Minister of Health is biting to maintain this “essential” project. “Ultimately. the Sifarh project will save a lot of money and make our health system more efficient for patients,” said Christian Dubé on X, in July. For the moment, the project is therefore lessons saaqclic fiasco maintained.

In addition. the fall will be critical for the Digital Health file (DSN), which must bring together all clinical data from all establishments. In November. Santé Québec had to start deploying the system in two Ciusss Pilots: those in Nord-de-l’île-de-Montréal and Mauricie-et-du-Center-du-Québec.

But in several cities of the latter region, the new agency has decided to postpone the launch to May 2026. “In order to limit risks. support care and services to the population, we were attentive to the concerns formulated by the teams, and adapted the two -phase deployment schedule. »»

Saaqclic: a “school case”

“From a point of view of governance. it is a case of school, honestly,” says Michel Magnan, holder of the Stephen A. Jarislowsky chair in corporate governance at the John-Molson management school.

He underlines the importance of internal audit: experts who analyze independently and objectively the activities of an organization. “He’s a bit of a watchdog, but also a guide in this kind of site,” he said.

In the case of the SAAQ. Michel Magnan stresses that the members of the internal audit have “done their job” by producing a number of analyzes, reports and comments. But the commission’s hearings show that their red flags have aroused few reactions within the management. the board of directors. “Maybe there was not the listening lessons saaqclic fiasco that it deserved. »»

Similar bell of Marie-Soleil Tremblay, titular professor of the National School of Public Administration (ENAP). According to her. the boards of directors must assume their responsibilities: “They have a surveillance role, which, in the eyes of some, may seem less sexy than that of strategic advice. »»

Already. the Fiasco Saaqclic has the effect of an electric shock on the management of major IT sites, such as Enron’s financial scandal in 2001 and the leak of data to the Desjardins movement in 2019 have transformed their respective sectors, according to the specialist. “These major events create an opportunity for reflection for organizations and their leaders. »»