A public inquiry led by Judge Denis Gallant has concluded that Quebec’s automobile insurance board intentionally misled the provincial government regarding the soaring costs of its online platform development. This inquiry was initiated after a report from the auditor general indicated that the project would cost taxpayers at least $1.1 billion by 2027, which is $500 million over the initial budget estimation. The findings point to a 'conscious effort' by auto board officials to obscure the truth about the project’s expenses from both the government and the public.

Despite the auto board's attempts to hide the escalating costs, there were instances where government officials and public servants were provided with accurate information about the ongoing issues at the agency. It appears that a lack of decisive action in response to the warning signs allowed the situation to develop unchecked, culminating in a substantial financial burden for taxpayers and contributing to the mismanagement narrative that has emerged from this episode.

The inquiry followed a problematic rollout of the online platform in February 2023, which resulted in significant operational disruptions, including long wait times at insurance board offices where Quebec residents are meant to take road tests and handle registrations. Premier François Legault's decision to call for an inquiry was influenced by the auditor’s alarming assessment, highlighting the need for accountability within the agency and potentially signaling broader implications for how public projects are managed in the province.