The Quebec government has turned to a seasoned municipal administrator to steer its troubled vehicle licensing agency, naming Serge Lamontagne as the new chief executive officer of the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ).
A Mandate for Repair and Service
Lamontagne's appointment, announced on January 15, 2026, comes with a clear and urgent priority: to "rectify the situation at the SAAQ and ensure quality services to the population." This directive follows directly on the heels of a scathing report from Quebec's Autorité des marchés publics, which was filed just one day prior. The report detailed the agency's costly and problematic attempt to digitize its operations through the SAAQclic program.
A Veteran of Municipal Administration
The new CEO brings extensive public administration experience to the role. Serge Lamontagne served as the director-general of the city of Montreal from 2018 to 2024. Before that, he held the same top administrative position with the city of Laval from 2014 to 2018. His deep understanding of large-scale public service operations is seen as a key asset for tackling the SAAQ's challenges.
Leadership Stability a Key Challenge
Lamontagne faces the additional task of bringing stability to the agency's leadership. He is the fourth person to be named head of the SAAQ in just three years, highlighting the ongoing difficulties within the organization. According to the announcement, Lamontagne is scheduled to officially begin his new duties on January 19, 2026.
His appointment signals the government's intent to resolve the persistent service and technological issues that have plagued the SAAQ, relying on a proven manager with a track record in overseeing major civic institutions.
