Karl Malenfant Denies 48 Allegations in SAAQclic Warning Notice
Karl Malenfant is facing serious allegations related to his conduct during the digital transformation of SAAQ, or Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. Just before the commission report by Judge Denis Gallant is published, Malenfant vehemently denies all 48 allegations of misconduct outlined in a warning notice. He claims these accusations constitute a “reputation assassination” targeting him personally.
Malenfant’s Defense Against the Allegations
When questioned by reporters, Malenfant expressed that he has always acted in good faith with his teams. He admitted to making daily management errors but insists there is nothing illegal in his actions. He attributes the allegations to a misunderstanding by the Auditor General, referring to a report submitted a year ago.
Accompanied by his lawyer, Jean-François Bertrand, Malenfant asserted that he had sought to present his case to the public comprehensively, rather than in fragmented pieces. Bertrand emphasized that Malenfant had not been treated fairly during the commission hearings.
- The warning notice contains 48 allegations of misconduct.
- Malenfant’s sworn statement in response spans 112 pages.
- He presented evidence to the commission but claims it was overlooked.
His Summary of the Events
During a two-hour press briefing, Malenfant outlined his perspective using what he termed “eight pillars of truth.” He argued that the misconduct allegations do not hold up against the facts he presented. He described the perception that he approved cost overruns as unfounded, claiming that he consistently raised objections at various points.
According to Malenfant, the consultants involved, Madeleine Chagnon and Louise Savoie, were paid below market rates. He noted that his negotiations led to savings of $100 million for Quebec. Despite recognizing there were cost overruns, he maintained full transparency regarding these issues.
The Background of the Controversy
A year prior, a report by the Auditor General of Quebec concluded that there was a cover-up of information regarding the $1.1 billion cost overruns in the digital overhaul of SAAQ. Following the report’s release, Malenfant had shared his account in a four-hour interview, asserting he never concealed information.
In an attempt to share his side of the story, he had requested participant status during the commission’s investigations, enabling him to summon witnesses and introduce documents. This request was denied, leaving him to defend himself against allegations for six days in a tense environment.
- Malenfant claims he has been unfairly portrayed as the scapegoat for the project failures.
- The commission has heard testimony from around 125 individuals.
- Malenfant and his lawyer aim to reveal previously undisclosed documents at future hearings.
Conclusion and Future Steps
As the final report from the Gallant Commission looms, Malenfant continues his battle to clear his name. He implores the Prime Minister to request the Auditor General to release the documents that influenced the report’s conclusions. As he navigates this challenging period, Malenfant remains steadfast in his resolve to present the full truth behind the SAAQ allegations.
