Quebec sets up oversight committee, weighs legal action after Gallant report on SAAQclic

The Quebec government says it will create a special oversight committee and is considering legal and disciplinary action in response to the findings of the Commission Gallant into the troubled digital overhaul at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).

A day after Commissioner Denis Gallant tabled his report on the failed rollout of the SAAQclic system, three cabinet ministers announced what they called concrete steps to restore public trust.

Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau, Transport Minister Jonatan Julien, and Cybersecurity and Digital Technology Minister Gilles Bélanger said a follow-up committee will be tasked with coordinating the government’s response to the commission’s 26 recommendations.

“If someone’s lying to you, there’s a limit to what you’re going to find out,” Duranceau said.

The committee, led by the Treasury Board Secretariat, will include representatives from the transport, cybersecurity and justice ministries and will establish a roadmap, ensure consistency between ministries and propose any legislative or regulatory changes needed.

Duranceau confirmed both UPAC, the province’s anti-corruption unit, and Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) are examining the SAAQ file.

“We can’t tolerate that in the public sector, someone who lies, someone who transmits false information, who is not transparent, who acts like there’s no rule applicable to them, that they get out of this without any impact,” she said.

The government also confirmed it is reviewing all possible legal remedies, including potential action against individuals in positions of responsibility or against companies involved in the project.

“I’m saying right now that we’re looking at all legal actions that are possible,” said Duranceau.

“Information technology is at the heart of the state’s transformation,” Bélanger added. “Every organization has an obligation to respect taxpayers’ dollars.”

Malenfant defends himself

Last Wednesday, Karl Malenfant, one of SAAQclic’s architects and former IT vice-president at the SAAQ, held a press conference ahead of the report’s release, outlining what he called eight pillars of truth to counter 48 allegations. He spoke with CityNews Tuesday following Monday’s report.

“Did I take bad decisions during all these 10 years? Maybe… But I never decided alone,” Malenfant said.

“There was always the PDG (president/CEO), the management committee, the board around me. So I never took strategic decisions alone.”

Gallant’s 586-page report found the Crown corporation provided misleading information for years about rising costs and described the project as overly ambitious and poorly governed, conclusions that have prompted calls for greater transparency and tighter oversight of major government digital initiatives.

“I will still continue to defend myself,” Malenfant said. “Because I’m not accepting that people think that I lie to people.”

Malenfant says he and his lawyer are still considering legal action after a whistleblower allegedly told them he was the victim of a character assassination during the SAAQclic inquiry.

“We will continue to have reflection around that,” Malenfant told CityNews. “For sure at this time, there is no decision.”

The SAAQ issued a public apology Tuesday and pledged a major restructuring.

“The SAAQ will make every effort to turn these recommendations into concrete action,” said president and CEO Serge Lamontagne, who was appointed in January. “We have lessons to learn from this. After analyzing each of the recommendations, we will present a detailed action plan to the public.”

Accountability needed, opposition decries

While Quebec’s premier admitted the CAQ government “could have been more cautious” in the face of admitted cost overruns, François Legault has largely pushed back on blame. Opposition leaders say accountability is needed.

“If you’re a minister and if you’re a government, you are responsible,” said Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon. “And if you did lie and conceal information to the population and it did cost hundreds of millions, we are going to talk about it until there are consequences and people responsible in that government.”

That message was echoed by new Quebec Liberal Party Leader Charles Milliard, who held his first press conference at the National Assembly Tuesday.

“Yesterday was a sad day for the trust of Quebecers in public spending,” Milliard said.

Montrealers have been reacting to the Gallant report with dismay, frustration and disappointment.

“It sounds like a movie. I can’t believe it. Honestly, I can’t believe it,” sad Chris Detillo.

“I don’t like it,” said Michael Johnson. “It’s quite a bit of money wasted and now is it going to be recovered? And will there be any criminal charges?”

“I work in tech and that seems like a lot of money to spend on a digital platform for driver’s licences,” added Bridget O’Neil.

One Montrealer told CityNews she was even questioning the value of a follow-up committee.

“How much will all this cost in the end?” said Eliane. “And what will be left? Will they really be punished? We’ll see.”