Quebec has initiated fresh inquiries into the issues surrounding the development and rollout of the auto insurance board’s online platform SAAQclic, in response to a critical report highlighting deficiencies in the system. Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault has directed her department to commence an investigation, as stated in a document obtained by Radio-Canada. Additionally, in a letter to Quebec’s anti-corruption unit UPAC, Guilbault expressed her expectation that appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the report.
Sonia LeBel, the Treasury Board President, also took action by requesting the head of the Autorité des marchés publics (AMP), the agency responsible for overseeing public contracts, to review the process of awarding and executing contracts. The recent report by Quebec’s auditor general revealed issues with the creation of SAAQclic, including projected cost overruns of $500 million and a lack of transparency regarding the system’s challenges.
Guilbault denounced the findings as “outrageous” and emphasized the importance of addressing them accordingly. Monsef Derraji, the house leader of the Quebec Liberals, criticized the government’s handling of the SAAQ matter, stating that they have lost control over it.
Opposition parties have called for a public inquiry into the situation, with Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon labeling it as one of Quebec’s major political scandals. Québec Solidaire’s co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal also supported the need for an independent investigation, highlighting concerns about the attorney general’s ability to fully ascertain the extent of Guilbault’s knowledge regarding the SAAQclic issues.
Following the release of the report, doubts have been raised about the Ministry’s awareness of the situation, with Plamondon questioning the government’s transparency. The Quebec Liberals expressed skepticism about redacted documents related to SAAQclic and emphasized the role of the AMP in uncovering the truth.
SAAQclic, intended to streamline auto insurance board services, faced initial challenges upon its launch in 2023, resulting in frustration for drivers and long wait times at SAAQ branches.
