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last mo.

Legault Tells Inquiry He Learned of SAAQclic Overruns Only After Auditor’s Report

The inquiry follows an audit that pegged the project’s cost above $1.1 billion.

Quebec Premier François Legault is photographed on a screen while appearing before the Gallant Commission, in Montreal on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
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Overview

  • Testifying before the Gallant commission, François Legault said he was not told about a roughly $500 million overrun until the auditor general’s February report and he faulted SAAQ leadership and a 2017 contract for the fiasco.
  • Legault maintained transport ministers were never clearly warned of a $500 million gap, even as a 2022 SAAQ document showed about a $200 million overrun that he said he wished he had seen.
  • Earlier testimony indicated former top civil servant Yves Ouellet was notified in September 2022 of a $222 million shortfall, with prior warnings about rising risks reportedly reaching the premier’s office as early as 2020.
  • Chief of staff Martin Koskinen testified he prioritized service delivery over costs and accused the SAAQ of burying key financial warnings in document attachments to Ouellet.
  • Opposition leaders questioned Legault’s account and pressed for further accountability as police reportedly identified four suspects in an anti‑corruption probe and the government’s July dismissal of SAAQ CEO Éric Ducharme remained in force.