SAAQclic: CEO Éric Ducharme’s testimony will not be rushed, Gallant commission rules
Posted June 17, 2025 11:02 am.
Last Updated June 17, 2025 11:03 am.
The testimony of Éric Ducharme, current president and CEO of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), to the Gallant commission will not be rushed.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Denis Gallant refused the SAAQ’s request that Ducharme be allowed to quickly give his version of events before the commission.
The previous day, former auditor Marie-Line Lalonde had testified that Ducharme had very little interest in internal audit work, even after the SAAQclic scandal.
The lawyer representing SAAQ, Sébastien Laprise, argued on Monday that Lalonde’s assertions had the potential to undermine public confidence in the crown corporation.
On Tuesday, however, Gallant ruled that it was not “appropriate” to follow up on the SAAQ’s request, since it already enjoys party status with the commission.
Its lawyers have every opportunity to cross-examine witnesses, he pointed out. The commissioner confirmed that Ducharme will be heard when the proceedings resume after the summer break.
–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews
