SAAQ cleanup isn't over yet, suggests Quebec Transport Minister
Quebec Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault says the 'cleanup' at the Société d'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) isn't over yet, and promises further action will be taken soon.
She made the comment on Wednesday, according to Noovo Info, as she pointed out that she shares the 'anger of Quebecers' who are paying attention to the Gallant Commission hearings on the Crown corporation's failed SAAQclic digital shift.
READ MORE: Quebec government reassigns head of SAAQ amid scandal
'This is an organization in crisis at a critical time. It needs someone who can manage it accordingly,' Guilbault insisted.
This comes after SAAQ President and CEO Éric Ducharme was fired from his role on Wednesday.
In speaking about her decision to reassign him, Guilbault noted that the atmosphere during her meetings with Ducharme was sometimes tinged with 'passivity.'
Annie Lafond, currently vice president of insured services at the SAAQ, is slated to replace him as interim CEO for an indefinite period of time.
'In my opinion, Ms. Lafond has the ideal profile to take the reins of the SAAQ. I thank her for accepting,' Guilbault said of the appointment on Wednesday.
Before joining the SAAQ four months ago, Lafond was vice president of digital transformation and customer experience at Beneva.
She would not say if she wanted the job on a more permanent basis.
'Lack of interest'
Ducharme's name has been mentioned several times throughout the commission.
He first took office in April 2023, replacing Denis Marsolais, who was dismissed in the wake of the SAAQClic fiasco.
Last month, it was revealed that three SAAQ auditors resigned in quick succession in 2024, saying they were disappointed by Ducharme's lack of interest in their work.
'It was like being spat on,' said former internal auditor Marie-Line Lalonde in her testimony before the Gallant Commission.
Lalonde explained that her department waited nine months before securing a meeting with the CEO.
During that time, internal auditors continued to identify numerous problems related to the new SAAQclic platform, such as the collection of certain fees and taxes.
However, during the long-awaited meeting on Jan. 24, 2024, the CEO was 'sitting in his chair with his arms crossed,' Lalonde recalled.
When pressed on the issue in recent months, Quebec Premier François Legault and Guilbault refused to publicly confirm their confidence in Ducharme.
Legault had previously suggested that he wanted to wait for the Gallant report, expected by Dec. 15, 2025.
Following Ducharme's firing, Guilbault argued that the government 'cannot afford to wait for the report, because this situation has been going on for a long time' at the SAAQ.
READ MORE: Current SAAQ CEO Ducharme criticized once again at Gallant commission
In addition to the Gallant Commission, investigations are underway by the anti-corruption unit (UPAC), the Autorité des marchés publics and the Quebec Transport Ministry.
Double failure?
Ducharme is the second SAAQ CEO to be appointed and dismissed by Legault's government.
It's a 'double admission of failure,' according to Quebec Liberal (PLQ) transportation critic Monsef Derraji.
'They are trying to clean house at the top of the organization, but political responsibility cannot be swept under the rug,' he said in a message to The Canadian Press. 'Nothing is working, and Ms. Guilbault must stop blaming others and take responsibility.'
Parti Québécois (PQ) transportation critic Joël Arseneau added that the announcement of Ducharme's dismissal comes 'in the middle of summer, when people are starting their vacations.'
'Accountability will come sooner or later, and I think Quebecers will judge the CAQ very harshly for its overall performance, but particularly for its handling of this fiasco,' he said.
READ MORE: Quebec minister announces audit of SAAQ outage
Québec solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal took to X to add, 'After months of improvisation, we are right to wonder whether she [Guilbault] is still the right person to regain the public's trust.'
Guilbault defended herself against the accusations, saying she was 'extremely present on a weekly basis at the SAAQ.'
'We are in constant contact with the SAAQ to ensure that things improve,' she said. 'Ultimately, it is my responsibility to replace [the CEO] if things don't work out.'
All the same, the Quebec government professionals union (SPGQ) said it considers the firing a 'good first step toward cleaning up management' at the Crown corporation.
'The subcontracts responsible for the SAAQclic fiasco must also be cleaned up,' argued fourth vice-president Daniel Goyette.
With files from The Canadian Press.
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