The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is under new leadership once again. Serge Lamontagne has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the provincial automobile insurance board, as announced on January 14, 2026.
A Pattern of Frequent Leadership Turnover
This appointment continues a notable trend of instability at the top of the influential public corporation. Lamontagne's arrival marks the third CEO change for the SAAQ in just three years, highlighting a period of significant transition for the organization responsible for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and administering Quebec's public auto insurance plan.
The SAAQ has faced numerous public challenges in recent years, including the rocky rollout of its new digital platform, SAAQclic. These operational hurdles have placed the organization's leadership under intense scrutiny from both the public and the Quebec government.
The Profile of the New Leader
Serge Lamontagne brings a background in public administration to the role. His professional profile, as indicated by the source from École nationale d'administration publique (ENAP), suggests expertise developed within Quebec's civil service framework. His immediate task will be to stabilize the organization's operations and restore public confidence in its services.
The announcement was made public in the late afternoon of January 14th, with the change in leadership taking effect immediately. The precise circumstances surrounding the departure of the previous CEO were not detailed in the initial announcement, which focused on the installation of the new chief executive.
Looking Ahead for the SAAQ
Lamontagne steps into a role with high stakes. The SAAQ is a critical piece of Quebec's administrative infrastructure, interacting with nearly every driver and vehicle owner in the province. His priorities will likely include:
- Ensuring the full stability and user-friendliness of the SAAQ's online services.
- Improving efficiency and wait times at service centers across Quebec.
- Managing the corporation's substantial financial resources and insurance fund.
- Providing steady leadership after a period of frequent change.
The government's selection of a candidate with a strong public administration pedigree signals a desire for experienced, steady-handed management. All eyes will now be on Lamontagne to see if he can break the cycle of short tenures and guide the SAAQ into a more consistent and effective era of service delivery for Quebecers.
