The Quebec government is considering pursuing legal measures against key figures at the province’s automobile insurance board, commonly referred to as the SAAQ, and the private companies connected to the calamitous launch of its website. Premier has tasked Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau with heading a committee to explore the suggestions set out in a comprehensive 600-page report presented by Judge Denis Gallant on Monday after the public inquiry into the SAAQ’s digital shift. The investigation revealed that SAAQ executives had deceived the government for years regarding the substantial cost overruns anticipated in the digital transformation project.
During a press briefing at the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, Duranceau remarked, “In the real world, employees of a private enterprise could not have behaved as they did and retained their positions. They would have been dismissed.” However, Duranceau acknowledged that the government might face legal hurdles in pursuing such actions. The Quebec Automobile Insurance Act provides immunity to SAAQ employees from civil liability for acts carried out in good faith within their official capacities.
“We are exploring all feasible legal actions. Additionally, we will consider disciplinary measures,” stated Duranceau. She mentioned that if conventional avenues are unavailable, they will explore potential legislative changes to facilitate legal action. Duranceau clarified that while civil litigation might not be an option, immunity does not extend to criminal activities. The Quebec anti-corruption unit, UPAC, is conducting an ongoing investigation into the SAAQ, potentially leading to further legal repercussions.
Duranceau emphasized the taxpayers’ weariness of funding digital projects that frequently exceed budgets and fail to deliver as promised. She disclosed that the government is contemplating strategies to attract and retain IT experts for upcoming digital initiatives, which may involve offering competitive remuneration to match private sector standards.
In a separate development, the SAAQ expressed regret and pledged to revamp its service management practices, with the CEO issuing a public apology following the report’s release. CEO Serge Lamontagne, who assumed the role post-website launch, condemned the deceitful actions of a few high-ranking employees and assured that significant operational changes have been implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Individuals implicated in concealing information or providing false statements to the government have either resigned or been replaced, according to Lamontagne.
The SAAQ is committed to implementing the recommendations from the report and those highlighted in the auditor general’s report from the previous year and that of the Autorité des marchés publics. Lamontagne affirmed that they would thoroughly assess the SAAQ’s policies and programs. The SAAQ is also evaluating the possibility of legal recourse against the responsible individuals and private entities involved in the SAAQclic project.