Photo : Radio-Canada / Sylvain Roy Roussel
The SAAQclic scandal, which is currently shaking Quebec, has become a symbol of mismanagement and uncontrolled spending.
This digital transformation project of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has not only exceeded its initial budget of $500 million to reach 1,1 billion, but it has also left thousands of users frustrated by failing online services.
The Auditor General has uncovered damning information, including incomplete testing and manipulations of indicators to mask problems.
Faced with public and media pressure, Prime Minister François Legault announced an independent public inquiry to shed light on political and administrative responsibilities.
Ministers Éric Caire and Geneviève Guilbault, as well as the Prime Minister’s Office, are accused of having been informed of the risks before the project was launched, but not acting effectively. This scandal raises questions about transparency and accountability within the Quebec government.
embezzlement of public funds
To understand the magnitude of the SAAQclic scandal, it is pertinent to compare it with the Sponsorship scandal, considered one of the largest political-financial scandals in Quebec and Canada. Between 1997 and 2003, the latter involved the misuse of public funds to fund advertising campaigns aimed at promoting Canadian unity. An estimated $332 million was mismanaged or misused, leading to the creation of the Gomery Commission in 2004.
In both cases, senior leaders have tried to evade their responsibilities. The investigations revealed a flagrant lack of control and systematic disinformation to decision makers. Unfortunately, the two scandals resulted in a massive waste of public money, causing popular outrage.
The sponsorship scandal gave rise to the Gomery commission, while the SAAQclic fiasco is currently the subject of a public inquiry announced by François Legault.
The SAAQclic scandal is a stark reminder of the structural flaws in public management in Quebec.
Picture: Robert Skinner, Archives La Presse
Although it differs from the sponsorship scandal in its nature, it shares a key characteristic: lack of accountability and strict control. To avoid a repeat of these failures, a thorough reform in transparency and evaluation of digital projects is essential.
Despite the difference in scale and context, both scandals have led to calls for public inquiries. For SAAQclic, Prime Minister François Legault finally gave in to the pressure by announcing an independent public inquiry, recalling the Gomery commission set up for the Sponsorship scandal. These investigations are intended to restore public confidence and prevent future abuse.
The SAAQclic scandal represents a major political risk for the CAQ government. If the investigation reveals serious deficiencies in government project management, this could have significant policy implications.
Ministerial accountability is an important principle in our political system. Ministers François Bonnardel and Geneviève Guilbault could still face consequences if their involvement or negligence in this case is proven.
Criminal immunity?
It is important to note that the public inquiry announced is specifically aimed at determining the responsibilities of each person, both at the administrative and political levels. This suggests that ministers do not enjoy total impunity and that their actions will be closely scrutinized in the course of this investigation.
The big question is: will there be criminal convictions for those responsible for this fiasco? These sanctions would be essential to dissuade future decision-makers from repeating the same scheme, thinking they will get away with it.
Currently, the calculation seems simple for some: risk a scandal while keeping a millionaire’s pension, rather than face a criminal record. Without serious legal consequences, this type of behaviour could recur.
A sad story to follow...
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