Following publication of the article “Nouveau centre de distribution de la SAQ | La modernité, à quel prix ? “ [The SAQ’s new distribution centre: modernity at what price?] in La Presse on May 9, 2026, the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) wants to set the record straight and ensure its Montreal automated centre (CAM) project is properly understood. Like all SAQ projects, this one is subject to robust governance and transparent, ongoing disclosure to SAQ employees, their unions and the media.

A project in compliance with government authorizations

The overall cost of the CAM project did not increase from $48.5 million to $300 million without justification or approval.

The SAQ is required by law to obtain an order in council from the Quebec government for any real estate construction project exceeding $15 million. An initial order in council for $48.5 million for the expansion of the Montreal distribution centre was approved in January 2021.

Once the call for tenders process had been completed, needs related to installation of the automated system and to meeting municipal requirements were identified. These required major modifications to the building. In an inflationary, post-pandemic context, a new $137 million order in council was issued in May 2023, replacing the previous one. Both orders in council were made public via press release, and the SAQ has consistently stated that they exclude the cost of automated equipment.

The overall cost of approximately $300 million covers:

  • expansion of the warehouse by more than 200,000 square feet;
  • acquisition and installation of an automated system obtained through a public call for tenders;
  • the required structural adjustments (building height, pile-supported slab, conveyor walkways);
  • meeting municipal environmental requirements, including a green roof covering more than 110,000 square feet and the planting of more than 800 trees.

The schedule and budget are on track, and the building is nearly complete.

A necessary, responsible and transparent investment

The CAM addresses a real need for capacity, as current facilities have reached their operational limits. This is a transformative investment, carried out with the necessary government approvals and subject to rigorous monitoring and proactive communication.

The SAQ’s management and Board of Directors maintain constant oversight of the project. Progress, risk and budget monitoring reports are prepared regularly.

Contrary to what the article suggests, the project is publicly documented. A dedicated page on the SAQ website presents the project, its objectives and its benefits for customers, which include:

  • access to up to 20,000 products offered individually on SAQ.COM, versus the current approximately 4,000;
  • improved delivery times, including next-day delivery;
  • more efficient distribution to SAQ stores, permit holders (bar and restaurants) and customers via SAQ.COM.

The CAM does not replace retail stores and does not compete with the projects in partnership with collaborative platforms. Those initiatives address distinct and complementary needs as part of a coherent, unified retail strategy.

The SAQ has also been transparent with its current employees and new hires regarding the CAM’s impact on the workforce. Once the CAM is fully operational in 2028, the SAQ anticipates a potential reduction of 100 to 120 employees at its Montreal distribution centre. 

Information already provided to La Presse

Factual information regarding the project, including a breakdown of costs, was provided to the La Presse reporter:

  • during an interview;
  • in response to an access of information request, to which the SAQ replied on April 9, 2026 (the SAQ’s reply, in French, can be seen here);
  • through numerous written exchanges with the SAQ Communications Department.

The SAQ clarifies that the information currently characterized as lacking transparency was in fact provided to the extent permitted by the Act respecting Access to documents held by public bodies.

The SAQ remains available to contribute to an informed public debate, based on complete, verified facts that have already been made available.