Karl Malenfant Denies Blame in SAAQclic Scandal, Cites Character Attack
Karl Malenfant has firmly denied any wrongdoing in connection with the SAAQclic scandal. The former vice president of information technology at the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is responding to 48 allegations against him. With the Gallant Commission’s report on the horizon, Malenfant launched a defense, asserting that the SAAQclic project is not a failure.
Karl Malenfant’s Defense Against Allegations
During a press conference in Montreal, Malenfant addressed his critics with a stack of documents outlining his defense. He described the situation as a “character assassination” and claimed that he is being scapegoated. His lawyer, Jean-François Bertrand, echoed these sentiments, stating that Malenfant had been unable to present his side of the story effectively during prior testimonies.
Claims of Conspiracy
- Malenfant alleged a coordinated effort to damage his reputation.
- A whistleblower alerted him about an IT firm’s involvement in this conspiracy.
Although he refused to name the implicated companies or the whistleblower, he described the strategy as an orchestrated attack aimed at undermining his credibility.
Shared Responsibility in the SAAQclic Project
Malenfant emphasized that the responsibility for the SAAQclic project was shared among various stakeholders. He stated that he had the support of a team of 44 managers throughout the project’s execution. Malenfant also pointed out that the decision to proceed with the project was made collectively by the board of directors and its designated experts.
Delay Preceding Project Launch
- He postponed the SAAQclic launch to January 2023 due to concerns from stakeholders.
- The subsequent launch in February received approval from all involved parties, including senior executives.
Despite these facts, Malenfant questioned why he personally bears the blame for the project’s challenges. He referred to discussions held prior to launch, during which stakeholders unanimously agreed to proceed.
Malenfant’s View on Project Costs and Success
Estimates from the Auditor General suggest the SAAQclic rollout could cost taxpayers at least $1.1 billion by 2027, exceeding initial projections. Malenfant challenged these figures, maintaining that the project is functioning well and should not be labeled a fiasco. He described the cost overruns as partly incorrect and insisted that the project had one of the lowest financial overruns compared to similar initiatives.
Arguments Against “Fiasco” Label
- Malenfant urged others to stop using the term “fiasco” out of respect for his team.
- He described SAAQclic as a “sustainable investment” and argued that although difficulties existed, the system is operational.
His lawyer Bertrand noted that multiple projects facing scrutiny have a common link in their management by the same IT firms, yet they remain unchallenged while Malenfant is in the spotlight.
Future Implications of the Gallant Commission Report
With the release of the Gallant Commission’s report imminent, observers speculate that the findings could implicate others, including former ministers. Communication and governmental affairs director Daniel Tran stressed the need for accountability across all problematic projects, urging scrutiny of management practices.
As legal action remains a potential consideration, Malenfant and his team await the report’s outcomes to determine their next steps.
