SAAQ President Tells Gallant Commission IT Systems Have Improved, Despite Ongoing Complaints
Quebec City, QC – Teh Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has demonstrably improved its facts technology systems as the widely criticized rollout of SAAQclic, according to SAAQ Board of Directors President Dominique Savoie, who testified before the Gallant Commission today. Despite continuing to receive hundreds of complaints related to the online platform, Savoie asserted that “SAAQ 2025 is not SAAQ 2023,” and that the percentage of users experiencing issues remains “respectable.”
The testimony comes as the Gallant Commission nears the deadline for its final report on the SAAQ’s IT overhaul, a project plagued by delays and cost overruns. The commission, tasked with investigating the SAAQclic debacle, is weighing recommendations to prevent similar failures in future government IT projects and ensure greater transparency in decision-making. The findings will directly impact how Quebec manages large-scale technology implementations, potentially affecting millions of citizens who rely on SAAQ services.
Savoie revealed that all projects exceeding a budget of two million dollars, the majority of which are IT-related, now require board of directors approval, a policy implemented last April. She also expressed discomfort with the previous practice of handling critical contractual strategies, such as those surrounding SAAQclic, behind closed doors. Savoie stated she has as informed board members to reserve such procedures for “very specific and more targeted occasions.”
addressing the ongoing complaints, savoie emphasized that feedback is utilized “to improve the service, not to defend yourself.” She further suggested formalizing the role of civil servants responsible for reporting to political actors and advocated for the creation of a dedicated team within the Ministry of Cybersecurity and Digital Affairs to scrutinize projects across various ministries and state corporations. This team would serve to “challenge” existing plans and ensure robust oversight.
Commissioner Denis Gallant expressed concern over the timeline,noting the commission must deliver its final report by December 15th. the next two weeks will be dedicated to hearing from experts who will contribute further recommendations to the report.
