During his testimony at the Gallant Commission, Éric Ducharme, a former CEO of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), revealed insights about the organization’s failed digital transition. Ducharme, who previously served as Secretary of the Treasury Board, expressed his lack of concern over the challenges faced by the SAAQclic project in 2020.
When Ducharme took over as the SAAQ director, he discovered significant financial surprises, including an additional $45.7 million in a contract signed in 2022. Ducharme was taken aback by the unexpected costs and issues that emerged after the project’s launch.
Subsequently, Ducharme found himself embroiled in negotiations with a firm demanding $28.5 million in unpaid fees for maintenance services related to the troubled platform. These discussions culminated in a costly second amendment to the original contract, further straining the organization’s finances.
Reflecting on the situation, Ducharme likened the project to purchasing a vehicle without enough resources for its upkeep, ultimately leading to overspending and contractual amendments.
