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Quebec election: CAQ leader defends millions to U.S. consulting firm during pandemic

Sep 30, 2022 | 10:33 AM

MONTREAL — Coalition Avenir Québec Leader François Legault is defending his government’s decision to award millions of dollars worth of consulting contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic to a major American consulting firm.

Legault says McKinsey & Company helped advise his cabinet on best practices from around the world on managing COVID-19.

A Radio-Canada investigation published today reveals the company billed the Quebec government $6.6 million — or $35,000 a day — for advice on issues like COVID-19 vaccination and strategic communications.

Legault’s four main opponents are denouncing the lack of transparency regarding the role that McKinsey & Company played during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.