Project suspension within a four-year timeframe
Quebec's IT landscape is undergoing significant changes, with two major projects, DIAMANT and Lexius, making headlines.
The DIAMANT project, a modern platform aimed at facilitating information exchange between police forces and the Directorate of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP), has been in the works. Initially slated to end in 2023, the project has already surpassed its initial budget of 18.4 million, with the current spending standing at $39 million. The project's significance is such that it has led to the creation of a new directorate within the Bureau of Infractions and Fines (BIA). However, details about the project remain undisclosed.
The DPCP is currently conducting analyses to ensure the software's stability, availability, reliability, performance, and security. The project's initial goal was to simplify procedures and reduce processing times. Until a decision is made about the program's future, paperwork and USB keys will continue to be used for transmitting procedures and evidence.
On the other hand, the Lexius project, aimed at digitizing judicial files in Quebec, has faced a significant delay. Originally planned to be completed by 2023, the project is now expected to be finished in 2029. This delay may cause delays in the judicial process due to the continued use of paper format. The Barreau, involved in the Lexius project since its inception, has expressed concern about the four-year delay.
The GESTE project, designed to digitise communication of documents between the police, prosecutors, and defence lawyers, has been suspended by the DPCP. Internally presented as a significant change that would revolutionise practices, its impact has not yet been seen. The project was initially scheduled to end in 2023 but has already exceeded its initial estimated budget of 18.4 million.
A system allowing legal professionals to consult non-contentious files online has already been launched. Despite these efforts, Quebec's IT projects continue to face challenges, with budget overruns and delays being common issues. The Ministry of Justice has not disclosed any cost estimates for the DIAMANT project, adding to the uncertainty surrounding its future.
