SAAQclic: Expert suggests creating a Quebec-based company specializing in IT

An expert in the governance of major public projects has proposed the creation of a “Quebec Information Technology Corporation” to address the lack of expertise and the dependence of government departments and agencies on outsourcing for information technology (IT) projects.

Pierre-André Hudon, associate professor in the department of management at Laval University, made this recommendation before the Gallant Commission on Monday.

The commission of inquiry into the failures of the digital transformation of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is entering its final week of public hearings. Over the next few days, it will hear recommendations from experts.

Hudon believes that Quebec could establish a “centralized unit specializing in IT” to support government departments and public agencies.

Many of them “do not have the internal expertise necessary to effectively manage” IT projects, and some rarely undertake this type of contract. And “the government struggles to counterbalance large private firms” in this area, the professor argues.

“Hence the importance of having a pool of expertise available to ministries, especially those that undertake IT projects less often,” Hudon said.

Among other things, this specialized unit could monitor market developments, support planning, “translate technical requirements into clear and appropriate estimates,” and produce “independent and credible” cost estimates, he said.

It could be modeled on the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI), whose mission includes providing construction, operation, and property management services to organizations.

“The idea is to be able to centralize expertise within a government agency,” said Hudon.

In his view, the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Technology (MCN) could play this “pivotal role.” However, its current mandate does not specifically mention contract support and management, the professor notes.