Ontario NDP seeks audit of Staples school supply contract

The Ontario NDP is calling on the Auditor General to investigate a government contract that designates Staples as the exclusive supplier for a new classroom supply fund. The deal, valued between $60 million and $66 million, provides teachers with $750 cards to purchase equipment through a dedicated online portal.

NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Education Critic Chandra Pasma have raised concerns regarding the portal’s effectiveness, citing reports of higher prices than local retailers, delayed shipments, and technical barriers to access. Stiles also questioned the decision to award a massive contract to an American-based company, suggesting it contradicts the provincial ‘Buy Ontario’ campaign.

Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged some initial issues with the portal but defended the arrangement. He stated that a core selection of approximately 200 essential products is available at the lowest possible prices and expressed confidence that the system will improve over time.