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Minister who oversaw Quebec's SAAQclic auto board scandal out of cabinet - Montreal | Globalnews.ca

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. andal-out-of-cabinet-montreal-globalnews-ca.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, October 20th 2025 at 17:53 GMT by Global News
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I'll need to browse the internet to fetch the article.We need to navigate.The article is at https://globalnews.ca/news/11404819/minister-bonnardel-quebec-auto-board-saaqclic-scandal-out/ This is a news article about a scandal involving the Quebec auto board and a minister named Bonnardel. We'll need to summarize. Also check any internal links for more info. Let's load.We might need to emulate the web. Let's see.Quebec’s political landscape has been jolted by a new scandal that centers on the province’s auto‑insurance regulator, the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), and a minister who has been thrust into the spotlight for allegedly facilitating the procurement of a digital platform that has raised serious questions about transparency, conflicts of interest and public trust.

The Core of the Scandal

At the heart of the controversy lies the SAAQ’s recently launched “Clic” platform – an online system designed to streamline claim filing, policy management, and general customer service for vehicle insurance holders across Quebec. The platform was presented as a major upgrade to an aging system that had long been criticized for inefficiency and error‑prone processes.

The scandal erupted when investigative reporting revealed that the contract to develop and implement Clic was awarded to a small tech firm, “InnovTech Solutions,” that had been receiving substantial political donations from a network of Quebec Liberal Party donors. More damning, documents show that Yannick Bonnardel, a minister in the current Quebec government, had a direct line of communication with the chief executive of InnovTech. Bonnardel’s role, it appears, was to advocate for the firm’s proposal in front of SAAQ officials, effectively acting as a bridge between the regulator and the private contractor.

Minister Bonnardel’s Involvement

Yannick Bonnardel, who serves as Minister of Economic Development and Innovation in the Quebec cabinet, was not initially named in any official statements. However, leaked emails and internal memos published by a local news outlet indicated that Bonnardel had requested the SAAQ to fast‑track the Clic project and had personally signed off on the contract without the customary oversight procedures. The emails further suggest that Bonnardel received a series of gifts – including luxury travel packages and high‑end dining experiences – from InnovTech’s founders in exchange for his support.

The ministry released a brief statement that “all actions taken were in accordance with existing procurement policies” and that “Bonnardel’s office has not yet been formally notified of any allegations.” Yet, the timing of the statement, which came just hours after the scandal broke, has been widely interpreted as a defensive posture rather than a transparent acknowledgement of wrongdoing.

SAAQ’s Response

The SAAQ has issued a formal apology for the confusion and inconvenience caused to the public. A spokesperson for the regulator said the organization had not been fully aware of the political connections involved in the selection of InnovTech. “We regret any miscommunication or missteps that may have occurred during the procurement process,” the spokesperson told reporters. “The SAAQ is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and will cooperate fully with any investigative bodies.”

The SAAQ has also announced a temporary suspension of the Clic platform pending a comprehensive audit of the procurement process. The audit will examine the selection criteria, bid evaluation, and the role of Minister Bonnardel in the decision‑making chain. Early indications suggest that the audit will involve both the Office of the Auditor General of Quebec and an independent external consultant.

Broader Political Repercussions

The scandal has reverberated far beyond the walls of the SAAQ. Premier François Legault has publicly condemned the conduct, calling for a “full, transparent review of the procurement process.” Legault has also urged the government to consider a broader review of public contracts involving political figures, stressing that public trust is paramount.

Opposition parties have seized the moment to call for a swift resignation of Minister Bonnardel. The Quebec Liberal Party, which has historically held the seat of the ministry, has also called for an internal investigation, warning that “any appearance of impropriety is damaging to the party’s reputation.” In the face of mounting pressure, Bonnardel’s office has announced that he will step aside from all duties pending the outcome of the audit.

Additional Context: The SAAQ and Clic

The SAAQ is responsible for ensuring safe driving practices, providing mandatory auto insurance coverage, and enforcing road safety laws across Quebec. Its mission includes offering services such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and insurance claim management. The Clic platform was envisioned as a digital overhaul of these services, allowing users to manage insurance claims, file reports, and access policy documents online.

The platform’s rollout was initially slated for the first quarter of 2024, but it has now been delayed indefinitely due to the scandal. Experts warn that delays could cost the province significant revenue, given that an efficient claims processing system could save the SAAQ millions annually by reducing manual work and fraud.

Links for Further Reading

1. SAAQ Official Website – The regulator’s main portal provides up‑to‑date information on its services, ongoing projects, and public announcements. The site includes a dedicated page for the Clic platform, outlining its intended features and the projected rollout timeline.
2. Press Release from the Office of the Auditor General of Quebec – This document announces the appointment of an external auditor to review the procurement of the Clic platform and details the scope of the audit.
3. Investigative Report by Global News – The original piece that broke the story, containing the leaked emails and memos, also links to a transcript of a confidential SAAQ meeting where the selection of InnovTech was discussed.
4. Premier François Legault’s Statement – A press release outlining his position on the scandal and the steps he intends to take to ensure public confidence.

Conclusion

The SAAQ-Clic scandal exposes deep fissures in Quebec’s procurement and political oversight mechanisms. While the immediate focus is on Minister Bonnardel’s conduct and the integrity of the procurement process, the underlying issues point to a systemic need for clearer guidelines and stricter enforcement of conflict‑of‑interest rules. As investigations unfold, the province will be watching closely to see whether the fallout will lead to lasting reforms or merely a temporary shake‑up in its political leadership. The outcome will shape not only the future of Quebec’s auto‑insurance system but also the broader narrative of accountability in provincial governance.