Petition – Let’s End Outsourcing in Our Schools

30 April 2026

Maintenance staff play a vital role in our schools and centers. Every day, these individuals ensure clean, safe, and functional learning environments for students and staff.

Yet, increasingly, these services are being outsourced to private companies.

Why is this a problem?

Outsourcing is not without consequences.

Loss of Expertise

The existing staff knows the buildings, their specific features, and their needs. When services are outsourced, this valuable expertise is lost.

Less Stability and Continuity

Teams change, interventions multiply, but without long-term follow-up. The result: maintenance becomes less effective.

Increased Workload

The existing staff must continue to perform their duties while supervising the work of the private contractor. This dual responsibility contributes to burnout and demotivation.

Hidden Costs Are Very Real

Contrary to popular belief, outsourcing isn’t always synonymous with savings: rework, delays, supervision… the costs add up.

An Impact on the Quality of School Environments

When economic logic takes precedence, quality and safety can suffer.

Another Way Is Possible

We believe it’s time to make a clear choice:

  • Rely on internal expertise
  • Value support staff
  • Ensure quality and safety in our schools

Why sign the petition?

Signing means:

  • Sending a strong message to the government
  • Defending the quality of services offered in schools
  • Supporting maintenance staff
  • Reaffirming the importance of strong and sustainable public services

Link to sign the petition: https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-12183/index.html

Text of the petition

WHEREAS school service centers and school boards must ensure healthy, safe, and high-quality learning environments for Quebec students;

WHEREAS maintenance staff employed by the government possess unique expertise and knowledge of the schools;

WHEREAS outsourcing maintenance and related services contributes to the loss of this expertise, weakens the capacity to maintain buildings in the long term, and erodes organizational memory;

WHEREAS this situation leads to an increased workload, as staff must both perform their own duties and supervise the work of private contractors, contributing to burnout, retention difficulties, and the devaluation of the profession;

WHEREAS the claimed cost savings are contradicted by the facts, particularly the hidden costs related to supervision, rework, and response times;

We, the undersigned, ask the Government of Quebec:

  1. To intervene to end the outsourcing of services that can be performed by in-house staff;
  2. To promote a model based on internal expertise, continuity of service, and the recognition of manual support staff;
  3. To promote and offer an incentive for the Vocational Studies Diploma (DEP) in Building Maintenance, which is offered in several school service centers and school boards in Quebec;
  4. To ensure that schools prioritize the quality and safety of learning environments, rather than the systematic outsourcing of services.

Link to sign the petition: https://www.assnat.qc.ca/fr/exprimez-votre-opinion/petition/Petition-12183/index.html