Quebec’s anti-corruption unit, UPAC, conducted a search at the headquarters of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) on Wednesday. The operation is linked to the ongoing investigation into the SAAQclic scandal.
UPAC confirmed the search but declined to provide details, citing the need to protect the investigation. “A search in cases of fraud or corruption is usually done to gather evidence to confirm or deny any wrongdoing,” UPAC said in a statement to Presse Canadienne. The seized documents will be examined, and witnesses may be interviewed as part of the probe.
Quebec Premier François Legault expressed concern over the developments. “The situation at the SAAQ and the recent testimony at the Gallant Commission are worrying,” he said Wednesday. However, Legault stopped short of affirming his confidence in SAAQ CEO Éric Ducharme. “We need to wait for the final report,” he added. “He has yet to give his testimony. It’s important to get to the bottom of this.”
The SAAQ issued a statement saying it is fully cooperating with authorities. “We will not comment further to respect the investigation and preserve the integrity of the process,” the agency said.
UPAC’s search coincided with testimony from former SAAQ CEO Denis Marsolais before the Gallant Commission, which is examining the management of the SAAQclic IT modernization project. UPAC has been investigating the scandal since February.
Pressure on CEO Éric Ducharme is increasing as the commission hears more testimony. In an open letter published in Le Soleil on Wednesday, Ducharme said, “The inquiry into the modernization of the SAAQ’s IT systems is an essential step to fully assess our digital transition and its impact on customers and partners. We remain committed to working with the commission to clarify past events.”
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault said she had contacted UPAC twice about the issue. “I wanted to alert them to the scandalous nature of what has been reported and what seems to have happened at the SAAQ,” she said. “Seeing institutions do their job, like UPAC’s search this morning, is reassuring.”
