Fréchette rejects $1 billion estimate for health agency IT project

Quebec's Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette has dismissed claims that the health-care system's IT project, known as SIFA or Santé Québec, will cost $1 billion. A recent Radio-Canada report alleged that the government had overlooked an analysis suggesting the project could reach $1 billion, contrary to the initial $96 million estimate.

Cybersecurity Minister France-Élaine Duranceau addressed the reports on Monday, asserting that the original price estimate was inaccurate. Speaking to reporters after a recent leaders debate, Fréchette affirmed that the project is under control and that the government will not spend anywhere near a billion dollars. She clarified that the figure appeared in one scenario but does not reflect the true cost.

Fréchette disclosed that her cabinet pre-approved $329 million in spending in July, and any additional funds will require authorization. Opposition parties swiftly accused the government of overspending, drawing comparisons to a past cost overrun scandal involving the province's auto insurance board. Fréchette emphatically stated, "We're not at all in a scenario where there will be a billion dollars spent, absolutely not.

That's a figure that appeared in one of the scenarios, but we are not in that scenario because we actually took charge of that file." Duranceau maintained that the new SIFA system will yield savings of $1.2 billion by replacing 41 outdated systems. This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on September 17, 2026.