10-07-2025
‘Clear lack of judgment': Guilbault slams SAAQ's new karaoke-themed impaired driving campaign
Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Genevieve Guilbault, speaks about new road safety measures at a press conference in Montreal, Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
Quebec's transport minister has ordered a review of a new campaign by the province's auto insurance board that wanted to use karaoke to bring awareness to impaired driving.
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) issued an invitation to the media on Thursday for the launch of the campaign under the theme 'Are you karaOK to drive?'
'This fun activity takes the form of karaoke featuring well-known Quebec songs, whose lyrics have been reworked to convey messages of prevention and awareness about responsible driving, particularly in a festive context,' reads part of the media advisory.
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault made clear on social media that she was not a fan of the project.
In a pointed social media post, she said, 'This is yet another example of the need for a change in leadership at @SAAQ, which I did yesterday,' in reference to the provincial government firing the head of the auto insurance board, Éric Ducharme, on Wednesday.
'Both the concept of this campaign and the timing of its announcement reflect a clear lack of judgment. I've discussed this with the new interim CEO, who agrees 100%. We've asked them to review the awareness campaign. I'll let SAAQ answer for that.'
The SAAQ invited singers to perform songs adapted to the campaign and discuss responsible driving behaviours.
'Discussions accompanied by practical advice from our entertainment team will round out the experience, reminding participants of the importance of making informed choices,' the invitation stated.
The press conference was scheduled for Friday morning in Quebec City.
The SAAQ did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The criticism from Guilbault comes as she is expressing 'anger' amid the ongoing Gallant Commission's investigation into the SAAQclic fiasco. In addition to the public inquiry, Quebec's anti-corruption police has also opened an investigation into the failed rollout in February 2023.
The minister told Noovo Info on Wednesday that the 'cleanup' at the SAAQ is not over and further action will be taken soon.
'This is an organization in crisis at a critical time. It needs someone who can manage it accordingly,' Guilbault said.
The Quebec government has named SAAQ vice-president Annie Lafond as interim CEO.
