UPAC searches Quebec auto insurance board in connection with SAAQclic scandal
Quebec anticorruption police searched the headquarters of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec on Wednesday in connection with the SAAQclic scandal.
'We can confirm today that we are conducting a search in the SAAQclic case. We will not be giving any details about this in order to protect our investigation,' the Unité permanente anticorruption (UPAC) said in a statement to Presse Canadienne.
'Generally speaking, a search in a fraud or corruption investigation is used to obtain evidence that will allow us to confirm or deny the commission of wrongdoing. The seized documents must then be analyzed and may then require witness interviews.'
Premier François Legault said Wednesday the situation at the SAAQ and recent testimony at the Gallant Commission investigating the SAAQclic scandal is 'worrying.'
The premier continued to refuse to reiterate his confidence in SAAQ CEO Éric Ducharme.
'I think we have to wait for the final report,' Legault said. 'He hasn't given his testimony yet, so let's let him explain. What's important is to get to the bottom of things.'
In a statement, the SAAQ said it is 'fully co-operating with the ongoing investigation and will not comment further in order to respect the work of the authorities and preserve the integrity of the process.'
UPAC's search came as former SAAQ CEO Denis Marsolais testified before the Gallant Commission. UPAC has been investigating SAAQclic since February.
The pressure is mounting on Ducharme because of testimony before the Gallant Commission. In an open letter published in Le Soleil on Wednesday, he wrote: 'The investigation conducted by the Commission of Inquiry into the management of the modernization of the SAAQ's IT systems is a necessary step to provide a comprehensive assessment of our digital transition and its impact on our customers and partners. We reiterate our commitment to working with this body to complete the process and shed full light on past events.'
Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault indicated that she had written to UPAC twice.
'I wanted to make them aware of the scandalous nature of everything that was being said and everything that appears to have happened at the SAAQ,' she said Wednesday.
'This morning, I see that they are operating at the SAAQ headquarters. So, seeing institutions doing their job is always reassuring.'
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 11:06 AM.
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Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account But that sign is now in the sights of the Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF), marking the latest clash in Premier François Legault's drive to bolster French in public life. Since sweeping new language rules took effect in June, business owners have been left wrestling with the costs and bureaucracy of ensuring their signs and branding comply. Toby Lyle, the pub's co-owner, recalls a French-language inspector arriving about six weeks ago. He says the meeting 'soured' almost immediately when the inspector asked how to pronounce his last name. 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He called the travel site and asked for a French version. This dispute falls under Quebec's new rules, Bill 96. Any non-French business name or trademark on a sign must be paired with French text that is 'markedly predominant.' The requirement covers storefronts and interior displays visible from outside. Complaints, which often spark an inspection, can be filed anonymously. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Explainer: Breaking down the key points of Bill 96 The pub has until mid-November to submit detailed plans for any changes. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $30,000 a day, penalties that double or triple for repeat offences. However, he vows to fight it, arguing the Office isn't respecting the 'historical and cultural significance' of the name. 'This is a 17-year-old brand,' he emphasized. 'It's a service to the neighbourhood.' 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