"François Legault alleges that ministers should have scrutinized the expenses associated with the implementation of SAAQclic more closely"
In a series of unexpected developments, the SAAQ, Quebec's automobile insurance and licensing agency, finds itself at the centre of a storm of controversy. On August 10, 2023, the contract additions for the SAAQ's digital shift became a matter of public scrutiny, sparking a flurry of accusations and denials.
François Legault, the Quebec premier, claimed he had not been informed of these details, a statement that was echoed by Commissioner Gallant during a commission hearing. However, Mr. Legault's communications director had earlier suggested not publishing a press release about the contract additions but being ready if needed.
The commission presented documents detailing the additions to the contract, but the commissioner, Mr. Koskinen, claimed he had never been informed. This discrepancy led to a heated exchange, with Commissioner Gallant questioning the source of the information, to which Mr. Legault's deputy, Mr. Legault, replied it should have come from the general secretary to his chief of staff.
The main culprit in the story, according to an unnamed individual, is the SAAQ, specifically its top management and board of directors. The agency that reported the additional contract changes for the SAAQclic project to the public was the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) in Quebec.
In May 2024, Secretary General Dominique Savoie was informed of the contract additions for the SAAQ's digital shift. An exchange of emails revealed the CAQ's strategy to blame the SAAQ in the face of cost explosions.
Mr. Koskinen, who had given the SAAQ leeway to spend to restore service after the chaotic launch of SAAQclic in 2023, was shocked by the auditor general's report, as he had not grasped the extent of the cost overruns. Mr. Legault lamented that he should have been informed about the additions to the contract, but Mr. Koskinen claimed he was not informed either.
As the investigation continues, the question remains: who is responsible for the oversight and the cost escalations in the SAAQ's digital shift project? The public awaits answers and accountability from those in charge.
