On June 23, 2026, the Quebec government announced a shift in its public procurement policy aimed at reducing the proportion of contracts that are awarded solely on the basis of the lowest price. The change seeks to move away from the long‑standing practice of selecting the cheapest bidder for most public works, supplies and services.
Under the current system, price has been the dominant criterion in the majority of procurement decisions across the province. Officials said that the new approach will broaden the evaluation framework to give greater weight to factors beyond cost, though no specific weighting formula was disclosed. The intent is to encourage bids that offer added value, such as higher quality, longer durability, or innovative solutions, while still maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The government’s proposal does not eliminate price as a consideration; rather, it aims to limit the share of contracts where price alone determines the award. By adjusting the rules, Quebec hopes to foster more competitive and balanced bidding processes, potentially improving outcomes for taxpayers and public service users. The move also aligns with broader trends in public procurement where jurisdictions are reassessing the sole‑price model in favour of multi‑criteria assessments.
Stakeholders in the construction, technology and services sectors are expected to adapt their bidding strategies to meet the revised criteria. While the details of implementation remain to be finalized, the announcement signals a policy shift that could influence how future contracts are structured and evaluated throughout the province.
The government indicated that the reform will be phased in over the coming months, with guidance to be provided to public agencies and suppliers. By reducing reliance on the lowest‑bidder rule, Quebec aims to create procurement outcomes that balance cost efficiency with quality, sustainability and innovation, reflecting a more nuanced approach to public spending.