Amid the ongoing Gallant Commission investigations and troubling revelations surrounding the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), recent reports have revealed that the government corporation’s board of directors has experienced significant turnover, with three directors stepping down in the past few weeks.
As initially disclosed by Radio-Canada and later confirmed by The Canadian Press, Stéphanie Desforges resigned from the board on August 8, followed by Richard Gagnon on July 9, and Louise Turgeon on July 21, as per SAAQ spokesperson Simon-Pierre Poulin.
Poulin mentioned that the SAAQ is in a period of transition, prompting some members to reassess their roles. This kind of turnover is cited as normal in organizations undergoing change.
Notably, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec Act mandates that the Board of Directors must consist of a minimum of nine members, and currently, the board comprises twelve members due to these resignations.
Poulin emphasized that the SAAQ’s governance remains stable and aligns with best practices in the public sector. Members are within their rights to step down prematurely, which is a common aspect of board operations.
Premier François Legault expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation, demanding full cooperation from the SAAQ in the UPAC investigation. Legault highlighted the importance of transparency for the people of Quebec.
The SAAQ has faced internal challenges for some time, with the Gallant Commission set to investigate the SAAQclic controversy, projected to incur costs exceeding $1.1 billion, as per the Quebec Auditor General’s findings.
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault recently revealed a government deficit of $492 million as of December 31, underlining the financial strain on the organization.
The dismissal of SAAQ CEO Éric Ducharme last July and the current interim leadership by Vice-President Annie Lafond underscore the continued instability within the corporation.
