Standoff in Quebec around another computer project whose cost explodes

The same supplier as Saaqclic. However, enormous costs of cost and delays: to avoid the rehearsal of a fiasco, the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Asked Health Quebec to “cancel without delay” the realization of its major IT project, learned Radio-Canada. However, Health Quebec does not agree.

The finance. For example, supply and human resources information system (SIFARH) must unify and centralize IT solutions from the health network to manage everything with the same software (pay, schedules, purchases, etc.).

It had to cost $ 202 million: 96 million for the finance and supply component and 106 million for the human resources component.

According to the figures we have obtained, the cost of the finance and supply component alone is now estimated at $ 280.7 million, three times the starting estimate.

And again, this sum does not include recurring standoff quebec around another computer expenses which must escape until 2043. In addition, Santé Québec concluded a total contract of $ 408 million for the finance. Therefore, supply component with the LGS firm, a subsidiary of IBM, the same as that which is involved in the Fiasco Saaqclic.

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Not only the project standoff quebec around another computer Sifarh explodes the planned budget, but it also delayed: at least two years of delay for the finance and supply component.

As for the human resources component, it is the big unknown. Furthermore, None of the submissions received was in accordance with. Therefore, It is not known how much it will cost. Consequently, how long it will take three years after its authorization by the Treasury Council.

The ministry asks to stop everything

According to concordant sources. In addition, the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital (MCN) wrote to Health Quebec in late June to invite him to abandon this project without delay because he standoff quebec around another computer judges him worrying et difficult to straighten.

A source at the MCN indicates that there is important gaps in this project. that the component Praise retains the same gaps as the Sifarhin particular a contract with An unfavorable service provider for the Quebec government [LGS].

Radio-Canada failed to communicate with the IBM subsidiary.

All our questions standoff quebec around another computer in the office of Minister Gilles Bélanger were referred to the officials of MCN.

Without confirming the request for a project cessation. the ministry spokesman, Émile Boudreau, written by email that the project Sifarh continues. Discussions are underway between the Ministry of Cybersecurity. Digital, Health Quebec and the ministries concerned to meet the needs and [aux] identified objectives.

Health Quebec wrote to us significantly the same answer, almost word for word.

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Health Quebec wants to do everything to maintain this project

According to our information. Health Québec still wishes to continue and convince the government to let it carry out its major computer project by obtaining more money.

All health network establishments are currently operating four different finance and supply systems with 35 different databases.

After the COVVI-19 pandemic. the protector of the citizen had recommended a computer modernization in standoff quebec around another computer the health sector, because current systems are outdated And because it is difficult to obtain reliable and quality data at all times.

In addition. according to our sources, maintaining the computer systems in place will cost more and more, up to three billion dollars by 2039.

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According to our standoff quebec around another computer sources. the MCN had already asked at least twice the Ministry of Health to stop the project Sifarh Before Health Quebec became responsible for it. However, the MCN had not been heard.

IT projects are excessively difficult to managerecognized the Minister of Health. Social Services, Christian Dubé, on May 20, 2025 in the National Assembly. Among other things. he mentioned another major computer project, the digital health file (DSN), whose pilot project faces cost exceeding of $ 136 million, or almost 50 % of the planned budget.

Project stopping is justified. according to an expert

The consultant and cybersecurity speaker Steve Waterhouse judges very positive et prudent the fact that the ministry has took responsibility before it was too late.

From 2022 to 2023, Mr. Waterhouse was assistant to the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital. He expects a clash At the top of the state if health refuses to stop the project.

It is certain that in high places. there will be fairly active discussions, not to say animated.

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There are currently 180 computer projects underway within the Quebec state. They represent a total cost of $ 2.2 billion.

Out of 180 active projects, 25 display cost exceeding of at least 10 %, including 11 of more than 30 %. A total of 66 projects are late, including 36 very late.

According to Steve Waterhouse. what is missing is expertise within the government to challenger what was put forward by the suppliers.

Often, the private sector offers double salaryrecalls this expert. In addition, there is a job standoff quebec around another computer freeze in the public service at the moment.

With the Sifarhthe Véo project of the University of Sherbrooke is the one that skirts the most. Over six years late, he was originally to cost $ 36.6 million. It is now estimated at $ 96 million.

Neither the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital nor his minister have standoff quebec around another computer the power to end a project unilaterally.

Its role is to support ministries. organizations, provide them with opinions and follow the evolution of projectsexplains the spokesman for MCNÉmile Boudreau. When [problèmes] are identified, the MCN May make recommendations or offer support measures.