During a testimony at the Gallant Commission investigation, Nadia Fournier, the director of government relations at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), revealed her limited involvement in the digital transformation project, SAAQclic. Fournier, responsible for liaising with ministers’ offices, expressed that senior management took the lead on the project, leaving her with a minor role.
She disclosed that communications regarding the IT project, known as CASA, were primarily managed by SAAQ senior executives, sidelining her usual engagement. Fournier admitted to not double-checking information sent to ministers’ offices, largely provided by the company’s IT team, which sometimes contained inaccuracies.
Fournier emphasized her reliance on superiors for validated data, stating that she lacked the authority to challenge management decisions. The complexity of CASA posed a challenge for her, as she joined SAAQ in 2021, feeling out of the loop in crucial budget and timeline discussions with government representatives.
Commissioner Denis Gallant questioned the exclusion of Fournier from key exchanges with government authorities, highlighting the lack of transparency in the process. Fournier expressed her desire to be more involved in the decision-making to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the project.
On another note, Jean-Philippe McKenzie, the vice-president overseeing service points at SAAQ, highlighted the optimism surrounding the platform’s deployment in early 2023. However, concerns were raised about potential operational challenges, prompting discussions on the need for transparent communication to build trust.
As the commission continues its investigation, McKenzie’s testimony is expected to shed further light on the project’s development and challenges.
