A public inquiry, the Gallant commission, is investigating the chaotic February 2023 rollout of Quebec's SAAQclic online platform, which led to a $500-million cost overrun and a customer service crisis. Revelations from the inquiry include single bidders for tenders, consultants' hourly rates quadrupling from $82 to $350, and a significant gap in billed hours. The inquiry also highlighted the SAAQ's lack of technological maturity and political pressure in hiring its CEO.
What we've learned from the SAAQclic fiasco inquiry
Société de l'assurance automobile du QuébecCEO Nathalie TremblayBoard of directorsCommissions of inquiry
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A public inquiry, the Gallant commission, is investigating the chaotic February 2023 rollout of Quebec's SAAQclic online platform, which led to a $500-million cost overrun and a customer service crisis. Revelations from the inquiry include single bidders for tenders, consultants' hourly rates quadrupling from $82 to $350, and a significant gap in billed hours. The inquiry also highlighted the SAAQ's lack of technological maturity and political pressure in hiring its CEO.
Trending- 1 2013-2022: François Geoffrion sat on SAAQ's board of directors.
- 2 2015: Madeleine Chagnon was the only bidder deemed compliant for a SAAQ contract.
- 3 2017-2019: Martin Després and his team compared billed hours by consultants with time spent at head office.
- 4 October 2020: SAAQ administrators were made aware of likelihood of cost overruns.
- 5 January 2022: Denis Marsolais became CEO of SAAQ.
- 6 February 2023: SAAQclic online platform launched, facing major failures.
- 7 February 2025: Auditor general released a scathing report on SAAQclic.
- 8 April 24 (current year): Gallant commission public inquiry began.
- 9 Monday (current year): Commission resumed.
- 10 Sept. 30, 2025: Inquiry's report due.
- Major failures in online platform functionality
- Customer service crisis with long lines
- $500-million cost overrun
- Resignation of a Coalition Avenir Québec minister
- Public inquiry launched to investigate mismanagement and questionable practices
What: A public inquiry (Gallant commission) is investigating the chaotic rollout and massive cost overruns of the SAAQclic online platform, revealing issues with tender processes, consultant billing, and internal management.
When: The inquiry began on April 24 (current year) and is ongoing. The platform was launched in February 2023. The auditor general's report was released in February 2025.
Where: Quebec, Canada.
Why: To shed light on the failures, cost overruns, and mismanagement associated with the SAAQclic online platform rollout, following a scathing auditor general report.
How: Through public hearings, testimony from former SAAQ employees and board members, and examination of internal documents.