SAAQ CEO Éric Ducharme’s testimony will not be heard, Gallant rules

Commissioner Denis Gallant presides over a special inquiry into the causes and circumstances underlying the problems with managing and implementing the CASA program for the Societe d’Assurance automobile du Quebec, in Quebec City on Thursday, May 15, 2025. (Jacques Boissinot/The Canadian Press)

Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) CEO Éric Ducharme’s testimony will not be heard before the Gallant Commission.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Denis Gallant rejected the SAAQ’s request that Ducharme be allowed to quickly give his version of events.

The day before, former auditor Marie-Line Lalonde testified that Ducharme had very little interest in internal auditing, even after the SAAQclic scandal.

The lawyer representing the SAAQ, Sébastien Laprise, argued on Monday that Lalonde’s statements had the potential to undermine public confidence in the Crown corporation.

However, Gallant ruled on Tuesday that it was not “appropriate” to grant the SAAQ’s request, since it already has party status on the commission.

He pointed out that its lawyers will have ample opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses.

The commissioner confirmed that Ducharme will be heard when proceedings resume after the summer break.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on June 17, 2025.