Latest news with #LGS
CTV News
20 hours 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
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
The consortium had an ‘appetite' for SAAQ money, witness tells Gallant commission
A security agent strolls through the room where the Gallant hearing on the SAAQclic fiasco investigation is taking place. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press) The consortium of firms behind the development of the SAAQclic platform 'was hungry and wanted to be well fed by funds' from the Quebec auto insurance board (SAAQ). That is the conclusion reached by Jérôme Verreault, a former financial controller at the Crown corporation, regarding the actions of the alliance formed by suppliers LGS, IBM and SAP. Verreault testified on Thursday before the Gallant Commission, which is investigating the SAAQ's failed digital transition. In notes dating from 2018 and 2019 and submitted to the commission, the controller detected certain shortcomings and laxity in the documentation relating to the alliance's invoicing. He made observations that, in his view, show the alliance's 'appetite for money.' In particular, he noted the failure to comply with a clause in the contract providing for a 10 per cent deduction on the fees claimed by external firms. In its invoices, the consortium did not include these deductions, which were nevertheless applied by the SAAQ's IT project office, Verreault pointed out. This clause was used to withhold a certain amount in the event of dissatisfaction with the project. 'This fact allowed me to see that the alliance was hungry and wanted to be very well fed by the funds of the Société de l'assurance automobile,' Verreault told commissioner Gallant. He also cited a clause regarding the availability of external resources to resolve anomalies during the testing and deployment phases. A remuneration of $100 per 'availability slot' was provided for. Verreault emphasized that the alliance was responsible for delivering a solution that worked. The clause, therefore, meant having to pay suppliers a second time in the event of problems, he said. 'My plumber came, he didn't do the job, I call him back and he charges me again by the hour,' Gallant illustrated. Verreault said he never found any document mentioning or approving this rate by the alliance or the Crown corporation. He also criticized the SAAQ for failing to verify compliance with the contract and the accuracy of the invoicing. Risk-sharing clause As revealed by a former internal auditor last week, the hourly rate for certain resources rose from $82 to $350 per hour. Verrreault concluded that this change affected 26 consultants and could result in additional costs of $14 million annually. To date, the reasons for this increase in the hourly rate remain 'unclear' to Verreault. The tasks or expertise of these resources were the same, he said. In Verreault's view, it was clear that the alliance would not work at no cost, contrary to what the SAAQ management might have suggested, brandishing the 'risk sharing' clause initially included in the contract. 'The risk-sharing clause was not Voldemort. It was common knowledge. It was practically written on the walls at the Société d'assurance automobile,' said Verreault. It should be noted that the SAAQ's technological modernization project, known as CASA, could cost at least $1.1 billion by 2027, which is $500 million more than expected, according to the Auditor General (AG). Verreault was in office when the first phase of the CASA project was launched. It targeted the SAAQ's financial and human resources. The controller described the start of this delivery as a 'disaster.' Several problems arose and ended up annoying him. 'Sometimes, I didn't have kind words, which exasperated my colleagues. Sometimes I told them it was a bloody mess,' he said. Verreault left the Crown corporation a few months after the first delivery began. He explained that his departure was due, in particular, to senior management's attitude towards his work. 'My notes were not taken seriously. (...) My role was precisely to help the company prevent (problems). But it was like a monkey: I don't want to hear anything, I don't want to see anything, I don't want to say anything,' lamented Verreault. 'Appearance of favouritism' On Thursday afternoon, an SAAQ executive came to talk about part of the tendering process. Nicolas Vincent explained the various steps leading up to the selection of the consortium in 2017. He acted as compliance coordinator for the 21 advisory committees, whose purpose was to advise the selection committee on specific aspects of the bids received. His testimony highlighted that there was 'an appearance of favouritism' among some members of the advisory committees and 'a perception of favouritism towards one alliance' at a stage when three consortia were still in the running, according to a report from an advisory committee presented to the commission. This seemed to 'lean toward' the SAP publisher, which belonged to two alliances at the time, Vincent said. 'There was a perception that some of those who had prepared the call for tenders were really favouring a SAP solution,' he added. Some of these external consultants had led a project with an SAP solution at Hydro-Québec with Karl Malenfant, the SAAQ's vice-president of information technology at the time, Vincent pointed out. While the selection committee remains independent, its thinking could be influenced by the notes from the advisory committees, Vincent said. Publication ban Earlier on Thursday, computer scientist Vincent Poirier, former auditor of the SAAQ, continued his testimony. He was called upon to comment on an information security audit report he produced in June 2023. However, the content of the report and Poirier's comments are subject to a publication ban for the next few days. It covers 'any technical information or data identifying the cybersecurity and data protection architecture.' According to the SAAQ, 'at this stage, the publication ban is necessary to ensure that information that could jeopardize the security and protection of Quebecers' data is not made public,' the order states. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 30, 2025.
India.com
30-04-2025
- Business
- India.com
THIS is Pakistan's most expensive school, gives tough competition to Dhirubhai Ambani School, its name is..., annual fees is Rs...
THIS is Pakistan's most expensive school, gives tough competition to Dhirubhai Ambani School, its name is..., annual fees is Rs... In a country where the quality of education can vary greatly, one can hardly belief that it may house one of the most expensive schools, where admission may make a huge hole on your pockets. Founded in 1979, LGS is a private school linked to the Cambridge Board of International Examinations and offers education up to A Levels. Besides its elite campuses, LGS also runs Landmark Schools for middle-income families and the Lahore Education Society School for low-income students. According to media reports, at LGS, the yearly fees is as high as around 2.5 million Pakistani Rupees (about Rs 7.5 lakh in Indian currency), making it a status symbol for wealthy families in Pakistan. LGS has more than 70 campuses across Pakistan, in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujrat. According to media reports, LGS fees change depending on the grade. At LGS International, one of the country's top branches, fees start at USD 12,839 for Grade 1 and go up to USD 15,251 for Grades 9 to 12. Parents must also pay extra for registration, security deposits, and clearance certificates. Plus, the first quarter's fee is non-refundable, making admissions a major financial decision. Getting into LGS is tough too. Seats are limited, competition is high, and many parents are ready to spend a lot to secure a spot. It has extended its network to cater to the needs of the middle income group in its Landmark Schools. according to the official website.
India.com
28-04-2025
- Business
- India.com
THIS Is Pakistan's Most Expensive School, Gives Tough Competition To India's Mayo College, Name Is..., Fees Is Rs...
photoDetails english Updated:Apr 28, 2025, 05:50 PM IST Founded In 1979 1 / 7 Founded in 1979, LGS is a private school linked to the Cambridge Board of International Examinations and offers education up to A Levels. Besides its elite campuses, LGS also runs Landmark Schools for middle-income families and the Lahore Education Society School for low-income students. Status and symbol 2 / 7 According to media reports, at LGS, the yearly fees can be shocking. It costs around 2.5 million Pakistani Rupees (about Rs 7.5 lakh in Indian currency), making it a status symbol for wealthy families in Pakistan. School Location 3 / 7 LGS has more than 70 campuses across Pakistan, in cities like Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Gujrat. Curriculum 4 / 7 The Lower School curriculum nurtures children's love for play, discovery, and community. In the O and A level programs, we focus on inquiry, discussions, and fostering resilience, personal growth, and academic excellence as students mature and develop independence. LGS Fees 5 / 7 According to media reports, LGS fees change depending on the grade. At LGS International, one of the country's top branches, fees start at USD 12,839 for Grade 1 and go up to USD 15,251 for Grades 9 to 12. Admission Seats 6 / 7 Parents must also pay extra for registration, security deposits, and clearance certificates. Plus, the first quarter's fee is non-refundable, making admissions a major financial decision. Getting into LGS is tough too. Seats are limited, competition is high, and many parents are ready to spend a lot to secure a spot. High fees 7 / 7 In a country where the quality of education can vary greatly, LGS is seen as a top school — but it comes at a price that only a few can afford.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant's early exit against MI frustrates fans again; netizens call his performance 'absolute garbage'
The 45th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is another chance for Rishabh Pant to shine, but it seems this is not the year for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)'s captain. Overall, so far, LGS witnessed a major sweep in early overs, first Nicholas Pooran and then, consecutively, another wicket of Rishabh Pant. Lucknow Super Giants won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. But yet again, Pant continued to be in his poor form. The LSG captain registered his sixth single-digit score of the season after falling for 4 (2) to Will Jacks in the seventh over. The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the over when Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Jacks but ended up hitting it directly to Karn Sharma at short third. Fans react to his shocking dismissal again Keeping high hopes for MI vs LSG, fans once again witnessed Rishabh Pant's wicket. Netizens flood social media with mixed reactions. One X (formerly called Twitter) user said, " One jokingly said, "Insane just Insane consistency" "Can't bat, Can't ball, Can't keep wickets, Strike rate less than 100, Proper blind slogging, Rishabh pant the X factor of team India," another said. "Every head must bow, every knee must bend, every tongue must confess, thou art the greatest the greatest of all time, Lord Rishabh Pant 🔥🔥" "Rishabh Pant, absolute garbage performance. If you have any shame, return the 27 crore," one slammed. "Rishabh Pant never disappoints me. 🥹" "That's why I respect Suryakumar Yadav because he accepts that his ODI stats are poor and he is honest with himself and then there is Rishabh Pant who got offended when Harsha Bhogle pointed out the reality of his white ball stats." "Like this tweet if you think that Rishabh pant is biggest fraud of this IPL."
