Quebec auto board scandal: Former top civil servant denies being told of cost overrun

The former right-hand man of Premier François Legault has denied being informed in September 2022 that the online platform for the auto insurance board was more than $200 million over budget. 

Yves Ouellet, former secretary-general of the executive council, testified today at a public inquiry examining how the online portal known as SAAQclic incurred more than $500 million in cost overruns. 

He contradicted statements from former auto board CEO Denis Marsolais, who told the inquiry in June that he had informed Ouellet of an extra $222 million in costs on Sept. 7, 2022.

Ouellet, who now runs the province’s securities regulator, says the number was never raised and that it would have set off alarm bells had he been told.

Ouellet’s role as secretary-general made him the province’s highest-ranking civil servant, reporting directly to Legault.

Legault testified Tuesday that had been unaware of the cost overruns until an auditor general’s report in February estimated the project’s price tag at more $1.1 billion.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 3, 2025.