The Quebec government is considering legal action against high-ranking officials at the province’s automobile insurance board, SAAQ, and the private companies involved in the troubled launch of its website. The premier has tasked Treasury Board President France-Élaine Duranceau with heading a committee to examine the recommendations from a comprehensive 600-page report presented by Judge Denis Gallant on Monday, following the public inquiry into SAAQ’s digital shift.
The report revealed that SAAQ executives had deceived the government for years about the significant cost overruns expected in the digital transformation project. Duranceau, in a press briefing at the National Assembly, remarked that the behavior of these officials would not have been tolerated in the private sector. She mentioned that while legal action might be challenging due to provisions in Quebec’s Automobile Insurance Act, disciplinary actions and potential legislative changes are being explored.
Although civil liability protection is in place for SAAQ employees acting in good faith, Duranceau emphasized that criminal conduct would not be shielded. The Anti-Corruption Unit of Quebec (UPAC) is also investigating the matter, potentially leading to further legal repercussions. Duranceau stressed the need to attract and retain IT experts for upcoming digital projects, even if it involves offering competitive remuneration.
In response to the report, SAAQ is pledging a revamp in its service management approach, with its CEO, Serge Lamontagne, issuing a public apology. Lamontagne, who assumed the role post-website launch, expressed shock at the revelations and assured that operational changes have been implemented to prevent similar incidents. He defended the majority of hardworking employees and assured that those implicated in the report have either resigned or been replaced.
SAAQ plans to heed the recommendations from the report and previous audits, focusing on policy and program reviews. Lamontagne indicated that legal actions against culpable individuals and firms are being considered in relation to the SAAQclic debacle.