SAAQclic: Judge Denis Gallant refuses to grant participant status to Karl Malenfant

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)

Judge Denis Gallant, who is leading the inquiry into the SAAQclic fiasco, refused on Thursday to grant participant status to Karl Malenfant.

This status would have allowed the former vice-president of information technology of Quebec’s auto insurance board (SAAQ) to defend himself, in particular by cross-examining witnesses.

In his decision handed down on Thursday, Gallant pointed out that he will testify before the commission at the end of the summer.

“Participant status is not necessary. His testimony is the appropriate remedy in the circumstances,” he ruled.

The judge also pointed out that the lawyers for the SAAQ, Malenfant’s former employer, are already cross-examining “the vast majority of witnesses.”

“However, no allegation has been made by the applicant regarding any inadequacy of these representations, whether in terms of their capacity or conflict of interest,” he noted.

If Malenfant’s request were granted, “it would mean that dozens of people ... could request participant status,” Gallant said.

“In order to ensure the proper conduct of our mandate within the time frame set by the government, we cannot afford to open such a door.”

Gallant also pointed out that Malenfant’s request came very late, as the commission began its public hearings in April.

Malenfant, who was at the heart of the SAAQclic project and whose name comes up constantly at the commission, said he is facing a “significant reputational risk.”

In his request to Gallant, he states that he wants to “correct the accuracy of certain facts.”

Several witnesses have criticized Malenfant for downplaying the problems with SAAQclic and hiding information from the government.

The SAAQ’s failed digital transition is expected to cost taxpayers at least $1.1 billion by 2027, which is $500 million more than anticipated, according to calculations by the Auditor General of Quebec.

The Gallant commission will resume its work on Aug. 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French July 3, 2025.

By Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press