A consultant has secured a $776,000 contract to enhance the Digital Health File (DSN) for CHUM, focusing on improving data exchange among provincial systems. Luc Brisson, an IT expert, was specifically chosen for his extensive qualifications. The initial contract is for two years at $388,080, with an additional planned extension. Other notable expenses include Hydro-Québec’s $1.9 million for furniture storage and a $49.5 million budget increase for the Roberval courthouse reconstruction after a fire.
Consultant Secures $776,000 Contract for Digital Health File
A consultant has landed a substantial contract worth $776,000 to contribute to the Digital Health File (DSN), a role specifically designed to fit his expertise.
At the start of the year, IT expert Luc Brisson was appointed to assist the CHUM with “technological efforts that will enable the DSN to receive and transmit essential data for the delivery of care and services.”
Objectives of the Digital Health File Project
The primary aim is to “streamline the data exchange among various provincial systems and the DSN,” ensuring a “seamless and effective interconnection between these numerous platforms and databases,” as stated by a CHUM spokesperson when addressing inquiries.
The foundational contract amount stands at $388,080 for a duration of two years. However, this figure does not include the two additional years of service that are “already planned,” bringing the total to $776,160—equating to an annual salary of $194,040.
A review of the notice of intent released earlier this fall indicates that the qualifications sought by CHUM were so specific that it appeared tailored for this consultant.
“Based on our understanding of the consulting market within the health sector, only Luc Brisson possesses the comprehensive expertise and knowledge to meet our requirements,” the document stated.
To be considered for the role, other suppliers had to fulfill numerous criteria, including a minimum of seven years as an IT project manager, with at least three years in the health sector in Quebec, and experience in completing two “IT projects” within a large acute care facility housing over 500 beds.
CHUM highlighted, “Mr. Luc Brisson’s extensive expertise and thorough understanding of interface development concepts with the provincial integration agent position him as the perfect candidate to ensure the success of this large-scale initiative.”
Additional Noteworthy Expenses
Several other expenses have come to light, including Hydro-Québec spending $1.9 million to store its old furniture while contemplating the “restoration” and “modernization” of its workstations. The costs related to the “pilot project for refurbishing” the furniture will be disclosed later.
The Ministry of the Environment allocated a $42,000 contract for identifying birds, amphibians, and mammals through sound in biodiversity monitoring for the years 2024, 2025, and 2026.
Additionally, the SAAQ has engaged consulting firm Gallagher for $24,000 to revise its compensation policy and salary structure for vice president roles.
In Quebec City, a contract worth $166,139 was awarded to the company Atmosphäre for the installation of two eco-friendly toilets in the Mont-Bélair natural park.
Lastly, it was revealed that the reconstruction and expansion of the Roberval courthouse will incur an additional $49.5 million in costs, increasing the total from an initial estimate of $66.2 million to $115.7 million due to a fire that occurred in 2021.