Committees of the Board of Directors - SAAQ

The committees of the Board of Directors ensure sound management of the SAAQ's operations and fulfillment of its objectives.

Governance and Ethics Committee

This committee is mandated to establish and submit rules of governance to the Board of Directors, and monitor best practices in governance. It is also tasked with analyzing potential ethical and governance issues of concern and, where necessary, making recommendations to the Board of Directors on how to avoid and manage these issues. This committee ensures sound management of the SAAQ’s operations.

The Governance and Ethics Committee sees to the application of the Règlement sur la gouvernance de la Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec et du Fonds d'assurance automobile du Québec (PDF, 247.5 KB)⁠ (the bylaw regulating the governance of both the SAAQ and Québec's automobile insurance fund – in French only) and, where necessary, proposes amendments to the Board of Directors. Il also submits the Code d'éthique et de déontologie des administrateurs et vice-présidents de la Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (PDF, 7.7 MB)⁠ ⁠ (the code of ethics and rules of conduct for SAAQ administrators and vice-presidents - in French only), and the SAAQ’s sustainable development action plan to the Board of Directors for approval. This committee is also tasked with submitting proposed amendments to the requisite board member skills and experience profiles to the Board of Directors for approval, and developing the onboarding and continuing education program for board members. 

Asset, liability, Risk and Audit Committee

This committee is responsible for the development and review of the SAAQ’s policy framework for long-term insurance fund management, as well as the attendant funding policy, financing policy and investment policy. It submits these policies to the Board of Directors for approval and oversees their implementation. 

The Asset, Liability, Risk and Audit Committee reports to the Board of Directors on the return on investments made with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and any other investment matter⁠. It also ensures that the SAAQ fulfills its fiduciary obligations, in particular as regards determining the amount of insurance contributions. 

The Asset, Liability, Risk and Audit Committee ensures that the annual financial statements of the SAAQ and the insurance fund comply with current accounting principles. It reviews the statements and submits them to the Board of Directors for approval. This committee is also responsible for reviewing and monitoring the SAAQ’s financial framework and the budgets of the insurance fund and the SAAQ, as well as submitting them to the Board of Directors for approval. It also supports the board in establishing risk management policies associated with the SAAQ’s operations and oversees their implementation.

The Asset, Liability, Risk and Audit Committee supervises the management department responsible for the internal audit. It approves and monitors the internal audit policy. This committee also assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its duty to review the integrity of the SAAQ’s internal controls, financial information disclosure controls and information systems. 

Road Safety, Human Resources and Service Delivery Committee

This committee evaluates the SAAQ’s road safety strategy by monitoring the road safety record and the implementation of actions aimed at improving the record. It also reviews and monitors Contrôle routier Québec’s annual planning and general enforcement plan.

The Road Safety, Human Resources and Service Delivery Committee reviews the SAAQ’s service statement and submits any amendments to the Board of Directors for approval. It also reviews reports on client experience and ensures that management takes the appropriate measures, where applicable.

The Road Safety, Human Resources and Service Delivery Committee is also responsible for ensuring the implementation of human resource policies, subject as applicable to the Public Service Act⁠ ⁠, reviewing reports on employee experience and ensuring that management takes the appropriate measures, where applicable. In addition, the committee develops  evaluation criteria for the position of president and chief executive officer and submits them to the Board of Directors for approval. The Road Safety, Human Resources and Service Delivery Committee contributes to the selection of SAAQ vice-presidents and, in conjunction with the President and Chief Executive Officer, submits their appointment recommendations to the Board of Directors. 

Information Technology and Cybersecurity Committee

The Information Technology and Cybersecurity Committee reviews the SAAQ’s digital policies and procedures, including those concerning digital data security, and makes recommendations where needed. With regard to information technology and cybersecurity, this committee analyzes the annual budget and digital environment planning. It also reviews three-year investment planning, goods and services procurement, project portfolio performance, disaster recovery planning, as well as staff retention and continuity planning. The committee also oversees primary risk assessment and management operations associated with digital experience, data security and cybersecurity. 

Major Project Monitoring Committee

The Board of Directors instated this committee in 2024 to oversee projects that have been identified as major based on criteria such as their total cost, size, complexity and potential impact on service delivery. 

The Major Project Monitoring Committee contributes to risk identification and management and submits progress reports to the Board of Directors.