Quebec announced on September 25, 2026 that Catherine Desgagnés‑Belzil will serve as an independent expert advisor for the province’s SIFA project. The appointment places the former top information‑technology specialist in a role designed to provide specialized guidance as the government moves forward with the initiative.
The SIFA project, a provincial program, seeks to modernize Quebec’s information‑technology systems across public services. By bringing in an advisor with extensive experience in the field, the government aims to ensure that the modernization effort benefits from proven expertise and strategic insight.
Desgagnés‑Belzil’s mandate is defined as independent, meaning she will offer advice without direct involvement in day‑to‑day project management. The government’s statement emphasized that her role will focus on evaluating technical options, recommending best practices, and assisting with the alignment of the project’s objectives with current industry standards.
The announcement was made by officials of the Quebec government, who highlighted the importance of expert input for the success of the SIFA initiative. No additional personnel or budget details were disclosed, and the government did not provide a timeline for specific milestones within the project.
The SIFA initiative itself is part of a broader effort by Quebec to upgrade its digital infrastructure, improve service delivery, and increase the resilience of its IT environment. Modernizing legacy systems is viewed as a priority to keep pace with evolving technology demands and to enhance cybersecurity across provincial agencies.
While the appointment of Desgagnés‑Belzil marks a key step, the government noted that the SIFA project will continue to involve multiple stakeholders, including internal ministries and external partners, as it progresses toward its modernization goals.
The independent advisor role is expected to run for the duration of the SIFA project, though the exact length of the engagement was not specified. Quebec officials indicated that regular updates on the project’s progress will be provided as it moves forward.