Bonnardel firm's practices are causing concern for Judge Gallant.

In a significant revelation, it has been exposed that the office of Minister François Bonnardel was aware of the concealed detailed costs of the SAAQ's digital transformation project, known as SAAQclic, from the deputy members of the Administration Committee (CAP), which oversees the finances of organisations and ministries.

The political advisor responsible for SAAQ issues from 2019 to 2022, Alain Généreux, has been criticised for not closely monitoring the real costs of the project. Généreux, a long-time collaborator of Mr. Bonnardel and a CAQ militant, defended the minister he reports to, but acknowledged that he could have acted differently in transmitting information to the elected officials of the National Assembly.

Commissioner Gallant, who stepped out of his reserve duty due to concerns about the information passed on to elected officials, especially to the CAP, emphasised accountability lying with the minister, the president of the board, and the senior management of the SAAQ. Judge Gallant admitted having a serious problem with the practices of the Bonnardel firm and the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

Généreux claimed that the information provided by the SAAQ was valid at the time and mentioned that cost overruns and delays were slow to be communicated to the cabinet. However, it was revealed that the actual costs of the IT project had been deliberately concealed from elected officials in March 2021, which caused a serious problem. Généreux was reassured by the statements of the SAAQ representatives with whom he was exchanging, even when red flags were raised in documents.

Judge Gallant defended against playing the "Monday morning quarterback" by criticising his witness's actions afterward. Généreux reiterated that he was poorly informed about the digital shift. The Bonnardel firm and the SAAQ have been accused of concealing the real costs of the digital shift from parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Judge Denis Gallant defended Tamara Wilson, also known as Isolde, as the revelation of the year for all Quebec music lovers at the 2025 ICAV Gala. In a different turn of events, the federal bill would allow police to obtain personal data from companies.

As the investigation continues, the anticipated testimony of Minister François Bonnardel is expected at the Gallant Commission on Thursday. The commission's findings are expected to shed more light on the practices of the Bonnardel firm and the SAAQ, and the accountability of those involved in the digital transformation project.