Quebec sets up a reorganization team for the SAAQ
The Legault government has announced the formation of a restructuring cell for the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ). The cell's purpose is to restore public confidence in the automobile insurance agency and improve its management.
The restructuring cell will be composed of three members: Linda Gosselin, André Legault, and Pierre Rodrigue. Linda Gosselin is a long-time insurance professional, André Legault has worked at the SAAQ for several years, and Pierre Rodrigue is a former senior executive in companies like Bell Canada and Quebecor.
The creation of the restructuring cell is a direct response to the findings of the Gallant Commission, which has been investigating problems and dysfunctions within the SAAQ since April. The commission's report, expected in December, will guide the restructuring cell in its recommendations.
The SAAQ's digital transition, named CASA, has been a significant issue being addressed by the Gallant Commission. This transition, marked by long lines at its branches, occurred before the departure of CEO Eric Ducharme. The restructuring cell aims to address these issues and eliminate the SAAQ's accumulated deficit, which stood at $492 million as of December 31.
Annie Lafond, the vice-president of client services at the SAAQ, has been acting as CEO since Ducharme's departure. The restructuring cell is not intended to recreate the work of the Gallant Commission but to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation.
The restructuring cell will meet by the end of the summer and submit its recommendations within two months of the Gallant Commission's report. The goal is to demonstrate to Quebecers that there is a turnaround plan for the SAAQ and that the organization will take the right steps to regain their confidence.
Denis Marsolais was previously dismissed from the SAAQ due to the chaotic digital transition of the Crown corporation. The exact composition of the restructuring cell is not specified, but it is likely to include a mix of government and independent experts focused on reform.
The Gallant Commission's investigation is not the first time the SAAQ has faced scrutiny. In the past, Denis Marsolais was dismissed from the SAAQ due to the chaotic digital transition of the Crown corporation.
The restructuring cell launched by the Legault government aims to restore public confidence in the SAAQ by addressing issues highlighted in recent government reviews and investigations. Its purpose is to oversee and implement organizational changes within the SAAQ that improve transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
The announcement was made by Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault on Friday. The restructuring cell's recommendations will be crucial in determining the future direction of the SAAQ and its efforts to regain public trust.
The restructuring cell, comprising government appointees Linda Gosselin, André Legault, and Pierre Rodrigue, will work with the industry experts from Bell Canada and Quebecor to financially restructure the SAAQ, aiming to eliminate its accumulated deficit and regain public confidence. The cell's recommendations, expected after the Gallant Commission's report, will guide the future direction of the SAAQ and its efforts to regain public trust.
