Latest news with #ITproject
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Gallant Commission: Over 1,800 contracts awarded on the sidelines of SAAQclic project
The Gallant Commission is investigating the events that led to the SAAQclic fiasco. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) Over 1,800 contracts have been signed as part of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ)'s digital transformation, excluding the main contract signed with the consortium. This was revealed on Monday morning at the Gallant Commission, which is investigating the failures of the Crown corporation's IT project, known as the Carrefour des services affaires (CASA) and encompassing the SAAQclic platform. A lawyer for the commission, Charlotte Deslauriers-Goulet, presented the contractual timeline behind the SAAQ's technological modernization. She indicated that at least 1,879 contracts, which she describes as 'satellite' contracts, have been signed over the past 10 years. These are 'all contracts that are evolving or have evolved on the periphery' of the $458.4-million framework contract signed in 2017 with the alliance formed by SAP (owned by IBM) and LGS, said Deslauriers-Goulet. The list may include strategic consulting mandates awarded in 2015, before the tender process was launched, as well as technical support during the project's development. 'Some of these satellite contracts were concluded fairly recently. This is because they include contracts aimed at ensuring that CASA eventually comes into being or that help to rectify the problematic situation that arose when the online platform was launched, which the media have dubbed the 'SAAQclic fiasco,'' said the lawyer. The commission does not yet know the total value of these 'satellite' contracts, which are in addition to the initial budget of $458.4 million and the additional expenses of $153.7 million related to the contract with the alliance. 'But we know that we are talking about a considerable amount,' said Deslauriers-Goulet. The commission is continuing to analyze this list of contracts, which was provided by the SAAQ itself. The commission has also been unable to identify 'with certainty' all the co-contractors involved, but some have dealt directly with members of the consortium, said Deslauriers-Goulet. It should be noted that the SAAQ's technological modernization project could cost at least $1.1 billion by 2027, which is $500 million more than expected, according to the Auditor General's (AG) calculations. It is possible that the AG took some of these 'satellite contracts' into account in its estimate, but without knowing their number. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 2, 2025. By Frédéric Lacroix-Couture, The Canadian Press
Irish Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Watch live updates: Arts Council before Public Accounts Committee on botched €6.7m IT project
Órla Ryan - 1 minute ago The Public Accounts Committee will on Thursday examine recent spending controversies, in particular the €6.7 million spent by the Arts Council on a new IT system that was eventually abandoned. The controversial project sparked a full review into the operations of the council, after Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O'Donovan said an initial report found it was not prepared for the scale of the IT project. We'll keep you updated with the hearing as it happens. Main points: Maureen Kennelly, director of the Arts Council, and Maura McGrath, chair of the board of the Arts Council, are among those set to appear before the PAC. It has been confirmed that Ms Kennelly will step down in June after concluding her five-year term. Representatives from the National Gallery are also due to appear before the committee to discuss why a scanner it bought for €125,000 lay idle for eight years.
Irish Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Arts Council director Maureen Kennelly to stand down in wake of botched IT contract
Maureen Kennelly has announced her intention to resign as director of the Arts Council next month. It comes as the council is due to appear before the Public Accounts Committee on Thursday concerning the failed project to develop an IT system for the organisation which cost nearly €6.7 million. In communications to staff, Ms Kennelly said she will be leaving her position soon after the Oireachtas committee hearings are complete. The controversial project sparked a full review into the operations of the council, after Minister for Arts and Culture Patrick O'Donovan said an initial report found it was not prepared for the scale of the IT project. READ MORE Ms Kennelly, who was appointed in April 2020, told staff her term as director was due to finish this month, adding that last December, the board of the Arts Council made a business case for her contract to be renewed for a further five-year term. However, following the publication of the Arts Council's annual report in February, which included details of the IT project costs, Ms Kennelly said the Minister refused to sanction the renewal. The board subsequently suggested that a decision on the renewal of Ms Kennelly's contract be deferred until after the work of the review group was complete, she said. Ms Kennelly told staff the board was 'disappointed' that the department could not see a way to do this, adding that she was subsequently offered a short-term contract with conditions she felt she 'could not accept.' She told staff it has been an honour to lead the council through 'tumultuous and exciting times' in the arts. In a statement, the board said it was with 'deep regret' that Ms Kennelly will step down as director in June. 'Maureen concluded her five-year term on 4 May and has generously agreed to remain in her role to represent the Arts Council at upcoming Public Accounts Committee and Oireachtas hearings,' it said. Noting that Ms Kennelly was appointed during the 'height of the Covid-19 pandemic,' the board said she led the organisation through an 'exceptionally challenging time.' 'Under her leadership, the Arts Council underwent a period of significant cultural change, with a strong focus on organisational development and staff wellbeing. 'She successfully resolved long-standing legacy challenges and brought renewed strategic clarity to the council's work. 'Together with the council, she secured unprecedented increases in State funding for the arts – enabling artists and organisations across the country to create and present work of outstanding quality. She also championed higher professional standards and fostered a climate of trust and respect across the wider arts sector,' it said. Maura McGrath, chair of the Arts Council, said Ms Kennelly is 'truly of the arts.' 'For her, the role of director was a vocation, not merely a job. Her commitment and passion were evident every day and are widely acknowledged across the sector. We are deeply grateful for her unwavering dedication and her loyal service to the arts community,' she said.
