Ontario NDP asks auditor general to investigate Staples education contract

Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles has requested that the province's auditor general investigate the government's decision to award Staples a $66 million contract to provide classroom supplies to elementary school teachers. In a letter sent to the auditor general, Stiles raised concerns about the value and effectiveness of the contract, including the availability and pricing of supplies on Staples' portal, delays in shipments, and barriers to access for teachers.

After the portal was established, some teachers reported that products were more expensive on the portal or that non-classroom items were available for purchase. David Mastin, president of the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, previously noted that Staples is a corporation and is in it to make a profit. Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged the issues with the portal but claimed that the core selection of classroom supplies was available at the lowest possible price.

Stiles is asking the auditor general to examine why Staples was awarded the contract without a bidding process and whether the contract provides the best value for education dollars. She emphasized that students learn best when classrooms have the necessary resources and materials. Stiles emphasized that an independent audit by the auditor general would provide clarity, accountability, and transparency to Ontarians.

The auditor general has the authority to compel documents and investigate government accounts to inform reports on value and best practices.