Gallant Commission Pauses: SAAQclic Hearings on Hold Until Monday

The commission investigating the SAAQ’s IT project debacle has halted public hearings until next Monday due to a surge in new information after the SAAQ lifted professional secrecy. Chief prosecutor Simon Tremblay announced the decision on Tuesday, citing a significant influx of new data.

The Gallant Commission teams are now sifting through the extensive email correspondence of key witnesses, as the SAAQ waived its lawyer-client privilege in August concerning the CASA IT project inquiry.

Tremblay mentioned the challenge of differentiating between the newly acquired materials and existing documents within the commission’s possession, emphasizing the need for meticulous review to maintain investigative integrity.

Acknowledging the SAAQ’s cooperation in identifying new elements, Tremblay praised their efforts. The hearings are set to resume next Monday, with the break allowing the commission to optimize resources for uncovering pertinent information in pursuit of the truth.

Commissioner Denis Gallant, though agreeing to the pause, expressed growing concerns over the delays. Initially expected to deliver a report by September 30, the deadline has been extended to December 15 by the Legault government.

Upcoming testimonies from key figures like former CEO Nathalie Tremblay and former technology VP Karl Malenfant are anticipated in the ongoing inquiry into SAAQ’s technological upgrades.

Keyphrase: SAAQ IT project inquiry