In a controversial decision, the Quebec government has opted to promote individuals involved in the mismanagement of the SAAQclic project rather than holding them responsible. Auditor General Guylaine Leclerc revealed significant misleading information regarding delays and costs, with expenses projected to soar from $638 million to $1.1 billion. Calls for an investigation have emerged, with Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault and the Liberal Party pushing for scrutiny into potential conflicts of interest and the project’s failures.
Promotions Instead of Accountability for SAAQclic Fiasco
In a surprising turn of events, the government has chosen to reward individuals involved in the SAAQclic debacle rather than holding them accountable. This controversial move has raised eyebrows across Quebec, particularly regarding the management of the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
Critical Findings from the Auditor General
Quebec’s Auditor General, Guylaine Leclerc, has brought to light serious issues within the SAAQclic project. According to her report, key figures misled senior management, the board of directors, and government officials about significant delays, IT challenges, and escalating costs. Initially projected at $638 million, the total expenses are now expected to reach a staggering $1.1 billion by 2027.
Among those at the helm during this crisis were:
- Denis Marsolais, former CEO of SAAQ, who was recently appointed president of the Office of Consumer Protection.
- Karl Malenfant, the vice president of digital experience, who retired peacefully after the project’s issues surfaced.
- Caroline Foldes-Busque, the main director of the CASA project, now serves as vice president of digital experience following Malenfant’s retirement.
- Michel Dumas, former head of LGS, has transitioned to vice president at the Commission on Standards, Equity, Health and Safety at Work.
Despite numerous warnings from experts regarding the potential for project failure, evidence suggests these concerns were concealed from decision-makers, leading to the disastrous rollout of SAAQclic.
Éric Ducharme, the current CEO of SAAQ, who was appointed to rectify the issues, expressed his dismay over the situation, claiming he, along with Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault, was misled. “We were lied to,” he stated, highlighting the extent of deception surrounding the project.
Furthermore, the Auditor General’s report has uncovered alarming indications of potential conflicts of interest related to the awarding of contracts for the CASA project, particularly involving SAP, a company that had previously advised SAAQ before being awarded a contract.
Calls for Investigation
In light of these findings, Transport Minister Geneviève Guibault is advocating for a thorough investigation into the SAAQclic fiasco. The Liberal Party has requested the Public Markets Authority (AMP) to look into the matter, and the AMP has acknowledged the Auditor General’s report. Additionally, the Permanent Anti-Corruption Unit (UPAC) has noted the report’s details, indicating that an investigation may be on the horizon.