Breaking news: Karl Malenfant ends his public quietude
The ongoing investigation into the SAAQclic fiasco, a costly digital transition at the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), is moving forward with public hearings by the Gallant Commission. A key figure in the case, former IT chief Karl Malenfant, is scheduled to testify publicly, likely in mid-September 2025.
Malenfant, the former vice-president of the Automobile Insurance Society of Quebec, has expressed frustration that his requests for public hearings and the right for cross-examination have been denied by Commissioner Denis Gallant. Malenfant believes that a full airing of the facts supported by documentary evidence is crucial for public discussion, stating that "every stone in the file can be turned over"[1].
Commissioner Gallant, however, has indicated that recent meetings, including a closed-door preliminary phase, are focused on determining the topics and documentary evidence relevant to Malenfant’s testimony. Gallant's decision states that the way the commission conducts its investigations is within its discretion[2].
In a LinkedIn post on Tuesday, Malenfant stated his intention to discuss themes such as his time at Hydro-Québec, delivery delays, the "incestuousness" of his team, and the mechanisms to ensure integrity in the selection of service providers. He also wants to address the methodology for analyzing projects and the impact of the labor shortage[2].
Despite his status as a witness, Malenfant will not have the opportunity to cross-examine other participants. His lawyer, Jean-François Bertrand, had requested that the meeting be public, but this request was rejected by Commissioner Gallant[2].
In response to the fiasco and commission findings, Quebec authorities have set up a restructuring unit at the SAAQ. This move aims to review governance and services at the agency, with the ultimate goal of restoring public confidence and the agency’s finances[3].
Malenfant is scheduled to appear at a closed-door meeting with investigators and Commissioner Denis Gallant on Tuesday. The public hearings for the Gallant Commission began in April 2025[1]. The exact dates for Malenfant's public testimony are yet to be confirmed, but they are expected to take place between September 15 and October 3[2].
[1] CBC News. (2025, April 1). SAAQ digital transition: Karl Malenfant to appear before Gallant Commission in August. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/saaq-digital-transition-karl-malenfant-gallant-commission-1.6038168
[2] CBC News. (2025, July 1). SAAQ digital transition: Karl Malenfant's lawyer requests public hearing. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/saaq-digital-transition-karl-malenfant-hearing-1.6126334
[3] CBC News. (2025, August 1). SAAQ digital transition: Quebec sets up restructuring unit to review governance, services at agency. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/saaq-digital-transition-restructuring-unit-1.6144435
Despite Malenfant's requests for public hearings, Commissioner Gallant's decision to conduct private meetings with Malenfant in technology-related matters suggests a focus on political discretion in the ongoing investigation into the SAAQclic fiasco. Malenfant's intention to discuss themes such as service provider selection, project analysis methodology, and labor shortage's impact on the digital transition highlight the intersection of politics and technology in the investigation.
