A recent report by the Gallant Commission has raised serious concerns about the actions of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The findings suggest that the SAAQ deliberately misled the public regarding cost overruns associated with their digital project, SAAQclic.
Key Findings from the Gallant Report
The Gallant Commission’s final report indicates that the SAAQ engaged in a “conscious action” to conceal the true costs of the CASA program, which includes SAAQclic. This conclusion echoes previous findings by Quebec’s auditor general, which revealed a staggering budget increase of $500 million, bringing total expenses to an estimated $1.1 billion.
Involvement of Key Figures
Karl Malenfant, the former vice-president of the SAAQ and architect of the flawed digital transformation, publicly responded to the commission’s findings. In a lengthy one-hour presentation, he refuted 48 allegations leveled against him, claiming he was a victim of a “character assassination.” Malenfant criticized the commission’s framing of the situation and questioned the rationale behind the criticisms directed at him.
- Former SAAQ CEO Nathalie Tremblay is also implicated, accused of providing misleading information about project costs.
- Tremblay allegedly claimed to the Treasury Board that the project would cost a maximum of $200 million over ten years, despite internal estimates of $269 million for development alone.
- Malenfant and Tremblay are accused of withholding critical information from senior officials.
Mismanagement and Transparency Issues
The commission alleges that the SAAQ failed to provide accurate financial updates to the government, undermining transparency. Both Malenfant and his successor, Denis Marsolais, faced scrutiny for misleading statements to officials about the adherence to the budget.
- In October 2022, they allegedly assured former minister Éric Caire that the project budget was on track, which the commission deemed “certainly false.”
- The report accuses Malenfant of directing contracts to associates, suggesting favoritism and potential breaches of contract regulations.
Continuing Investigations
As the implications of the Gallant Report unfold, the Unité permanente anticorruption has launched a criminal investigation into these matters. Malenfant claims he has yet to be contacted by the anti-corruption unit regarding the investigation.
The release of the commission’s full report is anticipated shortly and is expected to have significant repercussions for the SAAQ and its leadership. The public will be watching closely to see how these findings are addressed and what accountability measures will be implemented.
