Quebec Watchdog Critiques SAAQclic Project for Lack of Transparency

Quebec’s public contract oversight body has issued a damning report concerning the handling of the province’s SAAQclic project. The Autorité des marchés publics (AMP) concluded that the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) compromised principles of fair competition and transparency during the project’s management. Released on September 25, 2025, the **51-page report** criticizes the SAAQ for failing to maintain a proper bidding process, which the AMP described as essential for responsible management of public funds.

The investigation revealed that the SAAQ provided **SAP Canada Inc.** with an advantage by allowing the company to participate in defining project requirements before the bidding commenced. This practice resulted in SAP obtaining inside information that was not accessible to other potential bidders, undermining the integrity of the bidding process.

In an effort to avoid stricter oversight, the SAAQ also fragmented the project into multiple contracts. According to the report, this strategy can obscure the true scale of public spending. In late 2022, when the SAAQ required additional funding, executives sought to increase the project budget by exactly **$45.7 million**—an increase of **9.97 percent**—to avoid triggering a public alert in the government’s tendering system that would occur with any increase over **10 percent**.

Recommendations for Improved Oversight

The AMP’s report includes a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency in the management of public contracts. As part of these measures, the SAAQ is now required to update the AMP on the project’s progress every six months.

The ongoing inquiry into the SAAQclic project has garnered significant attention, particularly due to the estimated total cost of the project reaching at least **$1.1 billion**, nearly double the original budget. The digital platform, intended to streamline online services for the province’s auto insurance board, has instead led to extensive delays and long lines at service centers after its rollout in **2023**.

Testimonies from high-ranking officials, including the Premier of Quebec and various ministers, have highlighted the mismanagement that characterized the SAAQclic project. This report underscores the critical need for accountability and transparency in the handling of public contracts, especially when substantial taxpayer funds are involved.

As the inquiry continues, it remains crucial for government agencies to prioritize fairness in their dealings to restore public trust and ensure responsible management of resources.