Liberal MP André Fortin accused him of not taking responsibility for the migration of services from the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) to the SAAQclic platform.
The minister […] released his entire book of apologies to us. He told us [que] he is not the head of digital transformation at SAAQ. […] Can he tell us what he is responsible for? said Mr Fortin.
The Legault government has been in the hot seat for several days, the digital transformation at SAAQ has seen many failures, but Éric Caire is singled out for particular mention.
I still don’t understand what Eric Caire is doing in government. Digital manager, what does he do? introduced interim leader of the Liberals, Marc Tanguay, at a press conference.
In his opinion, Mr. Caire should have anticipated the problems and made sure to ask the right questions, especially since he met with the SAAQ team last November to talk specifically about SAAQclic.
Group photo of the opposition
What advice did he give? asked Haroun Bouazzi MP from Québec Solidaire in the House.
Without answering this question, Mr. Caire defended himself by arguing that his role was totally restricted by the law. He stressed the need for him to comply with industry standards. SAAQ told him all the gauges were green, Mr Caire pleaded.
The day before, Prime Minister François Legault had exonerated his minister for blaming the SAAQ.
Basically, the concept of ministerial responsibility at the Coalition Avenir Québec boils down to saying it’s the fault of others, Parti Québécois leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon protested on Wednesday.
Mr. Legault defended his minister at the Salon Bleu, responding that he took his share of responsibility for the SAAQ’s poor planning.
I will act accordingly in the coming weeks, he added. On Tuesday, he said he would “evaluate” the work of SAAQ’s President and CEO and Board of Directors.