Karl Malenfant seeks to circumvent private discussions with the Commission on SAAQclic.
Here is a news article based on the provided bullet points, written in a clear, straightforward, and approachable style:
Controversy Surrounds Karl Malenfant's Closed-Door Meeting with Gallant Commission
Karl Malenfant, the main worker of the digital transition at the Automobile Insurance Society of Quebec (SAAQ), has requested to cancel a closed-door meeting scheduled for August 5 with the commissioners of the Gallant commission on SAAQClic. Malenfant's lawyer argues that participating in this closed-door meeting would prevent the public from hearing his entire testimony.
The controversy surrounding Malenfant stems from accusations of conflicts of interest and problematic ties related to project cost overruns. These suspicions have cast doubt on the steps taken by the Gallant Commission, according to Malenfant and his lawyer. The desire for public testimony appears to be a response to calls for transparency amid these allegations.
The commission, led by Commissioner Gallant, has already held a three-hour closed-door meeting with Malenfant in May. However, Malenfant's request to cancel the August meeting and present his testimony publicly has been met with criticism, as it is seen as a strategy to ensure accountability and openness regarding his role in the CASA project issues.
The lawyer for Malenfant insists that he should be able to wait for the public hearings in the fall to give his version of the facts. This is not the first time that Malenfant's camp has publicly criticized the inquiry commission. Denis Marsolais, the former president and CEO of the SAAQ, stated that Malenfant boasted about the SAAQ project being the "seventh wonder of the world" and ending up with a "broken thing."
Joanne Marceau, spokesperson for the Gallant Commission, has stated that Malenfant, like dozens of people before him, will have the right to a public testimony later this year. However, Malenfant's lawyer questions the narrative that the Gallant Commission wants to put forward, citing selective use of information during interrogations.
So far, 47 people have testified in public, and more than 150 people have spoken to investigators "outside of the hearings" since the beginning of the inquiry in April. The commissioner of the inquiry commission mandated by the government of François Legault has until December to submit his final report.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3
- The controversy surrounding Karl Malenfant's closed-door meeting with the Gallant commission is a significant issue in the realm of politics, particularly by those advocating for transparency and policy-and-legislation that promotes accountability.
- The ongoing investigation into the CASA project, including the involvement of Karl Malenfant and the Gallant Commission, is a widespread topic in general-news and war-and-conflicts discussions, as it touches upon matters of government ethics, policy-and-legislation, and overall societal interest.