Geneviève Guilbault to Testify on SAAQclic Fiasco Friday

URGENT UPDATE: Quebec’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, is set to testify before the Gallant Commission this Friday, addressing critical issues surrounding the controversial SAAQclic platform. Her testimony follows that of former minister François Bonnardel, who revealed serious concerns about the project’s financial management.

The Gallant Commission is investigating the digital modernization efforts at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), particularly the SAAQclic platform, which has been marred by allegations of mismanagement. Bonnardel, who served from 2018 to 2022, claimed he received “incomplete and inaccurate information” regarding the project’s costs, adding urgency to Guilbault’s forthcoming statement.

Earlier this week, Guilbault confirmed her readiness to testify, stating, “Of course,” and emphasized the importance of the Commission’s work for Quebec taxpayers. She has committed to participating with “transparency and cooperation,” aiming to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the digital transition.

Significantly, the SAAQ’s IT project, known as CASA, is now projected to cost at least $1.1 billion, which is $500 million more than initially planned, according to the Quebec Auditor General. This staggering increase raises questions about oversight and accountability in the project’s management.

Bonnardel criticized the SAAQ for providing him with an inadequate financial picture upon taking office in November 2018, suggesting that “a few people” are responsible for misleading him. His statements cast a shadow over the agency’s leadership and its ability to manage critical public resources effectively.

This testimony is not just a formality; it is a pivotal moment as both Guilbault and Bonnardel face scrutiny over their roles in the SAAQclic debacle. The implications of their statements could have lasting effects on public trust and the future of digital services in Quebec.

As Guilbault prepares to take the stand, all eyes will be on the Commission’s findings and how they may influence future governance and digital initiatives within the province. The public is eager for clarity and accountability in a situation that affects countless Quebec taxpayers.

This developing story will be updated as new information emerges. Stay tuned for further details following Guilbault’s testimony on Friday.