Québec solidaire announced a new initiative aimed at cutting the cost of school supplies for families in Montreal. The party’s proposal calls for a collective purchasing program that would buy items in large quantities and then distribute them directly to students, with the goal of reducing expenses by about $60 per child.
The plan centers on the principle of bulk buying, leveraging economies of scale to negotiate lower prices from suppliers. By aggregating demand across schools, the party believes the province can secure better rates than individual families typically obtain on their own. The saved amount, estimated at $60 for each student, would be passed on to families, easing the financial pressure associated with back‑to‑school shopping.
Québec solidaire presented the proposal on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, highlighting the growing concern among parents over rising costs of essential school items. The party framed the program as a practical response to those concerns, positioning it as a straightforward way to make education more affordable without altering the curriculum or requiring additional funding streams.
While details on implementation remain to be worked out, the suggestion underscores a broader focus on cost‑saving measures for households in the province. By targeting a common expense that affects virtually every family with school‑age children, the party hopes the bulk‑purchase scheme will become a tangible benefit for Montreal residents and potentially serve as a model for other regions in Quebec.