In addition to suspending its confidentiality policies, the Quebec auto insurance board will make papers available to anti-corruption investigators and a public inquiry looking into cost overruns connected to its online platform, SAAQclic.
Following the revelation that the state-owned insurer had first refused to give records on the grounds of attorney-client privilege, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) acknowledged that its board of directors convened on Saturday to approve the action. Premier François Legault, who is scheduled to testify before the Gallant Commission this week, was highly critical of the refusal.
According to board chair Dominique Savoie, rebuilding trust requires openness. She pointed out that the board and leadership made the decision to suspend the secrecy rules swiftly.
Quebec’s auditor general said that SAAQclic, which was intended to update scheduling and other client services, was likely to cost $500 million more than anticipated, which is what caused the uproar. In 2023, the platform caused extensive disruptions rather than making access easier, causing many drivers to wait in line at branch offices.
The overruns have raised questions regarding the operational soundness of Quebec’s public insurance system as well as governance. In Quebec, auto insurance is provided using a hybrid model, with private insurers handling property damage and vehicle protection and the SAAQ providing required bodily injury coverage. Public trust in the system as a whole could be damaged by public insurer failures.
The procurement authority in Quebec, which has been entrusted with examining SAAQ’s contractual methods, will also benefit from the document disclosure.
The decision was applauded by Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault, who had urged the board to make the entire and unredacted records available. She had earlier issued a warning that no barriers to disclosure would be accepted.
The SAAQ’s problems are similar to those of other Canadian public vehicle insurers. Both British Columbia’s Insurance Corporation (ICBC) and Manitoba Public Insurance have struggled with growing expenses and public annoyance related to modernization initiatives. Similar to Quebec, these insurers strike a compromise between the financial risks of significant technological advancements and a commitment to offer universal coverage at stable costs.
Overruns and service interruptions, according to analysts, can have long-term effects,Secrecy regulations are lifted by the Quebec vehicle insurance board. ranging from damaged policyholder confidence to political scrutiny of rate-setting and claims handling. The Gallant Commission’s and the police investigation’s findings may influence governance changes at the SAAQ as well as how Quebec moves forward with its public insurance model.
