The regions of Quebec are suffering again: the SAAQ increases the number of service point closures

Less than two years after its catastrophic digital transition, the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) is increasing its branch closures and increasingly reducing its service hours in the regions, to the great dismay of mayors and citizens.

“It’s a disappointment. What bothers me the most is that it is another local service that citizens are losing,” laments Raymond Rougeau, mayor of Rawdon, in Lanaudière.

On December 27, the SAAQ service point in his municipality will permanently close its doors. The agent, the Chamber of Commerce, must carry out work on the premises, and the Crown corporation took advantage of the opportunity to leave Rawdon for good.

12 closures in five years

This is not an isolated case. In 2024, the SAAQ announced the closure of eight service points operated by agents across the province, most located in the region, including in Saint-Rémi, Montérégie, Magog, Estrie, and Saint-Pascal, in Bas-Saint-Laurent (see complete list at the end).

In 2021, the state-owned company served Quebecers through 97 service points. In 2026, there will be 85 left. In return, a service center was opened at Place Versailles in Montreal earlier this year.

Spokesperson Anthony Bérubé justifies these closures by a 24% drop in the volume of services delivered by agents between 2019 and 2023.

Simon Riendeau, 36, who owns a transport company. He goes up to six times a year to the Saint-Rémi service point, in particular to manage his license plates and the drivers registered on his heavy goods vehicle fleet.

“It directly impacts me, because the next closest one would be 30 minutes away. It was an extremely efficient service point, and the employees gave me confidence. I’m not very comfortable with computers [et SAAQclic].» -Simon Riendeau

Closed for administrative tasks

These changes are in addition to a pilot project launched in 2023 which consisted of cutting one to two opening days per week in seven branches, among others in Gaspésie and Abitibi-Témiscamingue, so that employees could carry out administrative tasks.

However, in recent weeks, this measure has been extended to 20 branches, all located in the region, the SAAQ told the Journal.

This is not the first time that people in the regions have complained about losing services. For example, they denounced the closure of numerous Desjardins Group branches in recent years.

Claire Bolduc, member of the executive committee of the Fédération québécoise des municipalities, deplores the fact that these services are being cut to redirect citizens to the SAAQclic platform, which cost more than $600 million.

Two years after the chaotic launch of this platform, it is still not ready. In particular, it is impossible to transfer ownership for two million vehicles, including heavy vehicles.

“Everyone should have learned lessons from that,” says M^me Bolduc.

“There is still human service which is essential, which is still necessary for a population which is not comfortable with the Internet. Is it premature to close the service point? I think so,” adds the mayor of Rawdon.

The eight closures of SAAQ service points operated by agents announced in 2024

• Saint-Raphaël
• Rawdon
• Magog
• Trois-Rivières
• Saint-Pascal
• LaSalle
• Montréal-Nord (closure due to police investigation into corruption allegations)
• Saint-Rémi (closing planned for December 31, 2025)

The 20 Branches which have seen their opening hours reduced since 2023

• Saarland (closed Monday)
• Ville-Marie (closed Tuesday)
• Baie-Saint-Paul (closed Tuesday Thursday)
• Îles de la Madeleine (closed Tuesday Thursday)
• Gaspé (closed Tuesday Thursday)
• Rivière-du-Loup (closed Friday)
• Roberval (closed Tuesday)
• Sept-Îles (closed Wednesday)
• Alma (closed Wednesday)
• Baie-Comeau (closed Tuesday)
• Bonaventure closed Monday)
• Rouyn-Noranda (closed Wednesday)
• Val-d’Or (closed Wednesday)
• Matane (closed Wednesday)
• Mont-Laurier (closed Wednesday)
• Montmagny (jeudi)
• Rimouski (closed Wednesday)
• Lachute (closed Tuesday)
• Shawinigan (closed Monday)
• Thetford Mines (closed Tuesday)