On June 23, 2026, the Quebec government announced a shift in its procurement policy aimed at lowering the share of public contracts that are awarded solely on the basis of the lowest price. The announcement signals an intent to modify a longstanding practice in which the cheapest bid has been the predominant criterion for awarding contracts across the province.
The government’s plan seeks to adjust the current procurement culture, which has traditionally favored the lowest‑bidder approach. By reducing reliance on price‑only evaluations, officials hope to broaden the criteria used in public tendering and encourage a more balanced assessment of value, quality, and other factors that may influence contract outcomes.
While the exact mechanisms for implementing the change were not detailed, the statement underscores a policy direction that moves away from a singular focus on cost. The move reflects an awareness that awarding contracts based solely on price may overlook other important considerations, such as service quality, innovation, and long‑term sustainability.
The shift comes at a time when many public contracts in Quebec continue to be granted only to the lowest bidder, a practice that has shaped the province’s procurement landscape for years. By targeting this practice, the government aims to create a more diversified procurement environment that can better align with broader public policy goals.
The announcement marks a notable development in Quebec’s approach to public spending and procurement, indicating a willingness to reevaluate and potentially reform the criteria that guide contract awards. The government’s next steps are expected to outline how the new guidelines will be applied across various sectors and what timelines will be set for the transition.
Stakeholders in the public and private sectors will be watching the rollout of these changes closely, as they could affect bidding strategies, contract negotiations, and the overall dynamics of public procurement in the province.