During Monday morning’s hearing, Karl Malenfant’s lawyer, Jean-François Bertrand, made a strong case for his client’s right to access bid documents for the SAAQclic project. Bertrand emphasized that Malenfant did indeed have the lawful ability to review a bidder’s tender, backed by evidence to support his claim.
The former vice president of information technology at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) faced intense questioning on the fourth day of testimony. Commissioner Denis Gallant had to intervene when Bertrand, although not a participant, defended Malenfant’s access to bid information.
Last week, Malenfant seemed to suggest he never saw the bids until shown otherwise by the commission’s attorney. Bertrand vehemently opposed this narrative, stating that his client had every right to possess and review the documents. The lawyer’s frustration was evident as he criticized the media coverage and emphasized Malenfant’s entitlement to the confidential documents.
The unresolved issue surrounding the disputed documents was set for discussion later that day. The inquiry into Malenfant’s actions delved into the contract with the SAP-LGS (IBM) Alliance and the escalating costs due to various project adjustments.
Despite being aware of a substantial budget shortfall, Malenfant seemed unfazed, believing the funds were secure within the contract. Commissioner Gallant clarified that the money was depleted, contradicting Malenfant’s perception.
The Gallant Commission’s investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind the SAAQ’s digital transformation failure, projected to cost over $1.1 billion by 2027. This significant overrun, exceeding initial estimates by $500 million, underscores the magnitude of the financial mismanagement.
