Summary#
On January 26, 2026, Montréal city council unanimously adopted a position to join the Centre d’acquisitions gouvernementales (CAG) group purchase for printers, multifunction devices and original cartridges. The proposed framework agreement would run from January 30, 2026, to November 29, 2028, with a maximum amount of $3,008,100, taxes included. The stated goal is to meet city units’ printing needs and renew equipment. The agglomeration council makes the final decision at a later meeting.
- The proposed agreement covers purchases of equipment and cartridges, as well as equipment purchases or rentals with maintenance.
- Rental agreements with maintenance may last 60 months; the framework agreement itself lasts 34 months.
- The resolution directs spending to the budgets of boroughs, corporate services and linked municipalities, as needs arise.
- City staff say supplier prices stay fixed for the first four months, then may be updated every four months.
What it means for you#
- City departments, boroughs and linked municipalities: If the agglomeration council approves the arrangement, they could order equipment and supplies through the CAG group purchase. The resolution does not require any unit to place an order.
- Residents: The decision does not directly change residents’ services, taxes or rights. City staff say the purchases would support municipal operations.
Money#
The proposed maximum is $3,008,100, taxes included; actual spending would depend on orders placed.
- The resolution says spending would come from the budgets of boroughs, corporate services and linked municipalities, as needs arise. Staff say costs may be charged to operating budgets or the capital investment program, depending on the project.
- The CAG charges a 1% management fee on each order, collected by the supplier for the CAG. The materials do not say whether this fee is included in the maximum amount.
What is unclear#
- The materials do not give call-for-tenders details, the number of bids, or whether the arrangement was based on the lowest compliant bid.
- It is unclear how much of the maximum amount would be spent by each city unit, or whether the CAG fee is included in that cap.
- The materials allow 60-month equipment rentals with maintenance but do not explain how costs continuing beyond the 34-month framework period would be handled.
Case for#
- City staff say group purchasing could lower overall costs through economies of scale.
- Staff say common equipment could make support and maintenance easier and help replace outdated printers.
- The agreement would include equipment, supplies and maintenance options to meet different work needs.
Case against#
- Supplier prices may change every four months after the initial fixed-price period, making later order costs less certain.
- A 60-month rental could extend beyond the framework agreement’s 34-month term.
- Without bid details or a breakdown of expected orders and fees, it is hard to assess the value of the arrangement.