In an Economic Note published on August 25, the MEI argues that the introduction of a voucher system for education would allow Quebec students to benefit from increased competition among schools.
"For many Quebec parents, the choice of their child's school still depends on their postal code," explains Gabriel Giguère, senior policy analyst at the MEI and author of the report. "With an education voucher system like Sweden's, the funding would follow the student, allowing more young Quebecers to choose the school that best suits them."
Funding That Follows the Student
As it stands, Quebec students enrolled in the regular education system are automatically assigned to their neighbourhood school based on their home address's postal code. This limits the options available to students who lack the grades or the financial means to attend private school or more specialized programs.
Under a voucher program, education funding follows the student, whether they attend a public school, a special program, or a private school. This allows students and their parents to choose the school that best meets their needs.
Schools then receive funding in proportion to the number of pupils they have. To stand out, schools have to demonstrate the quality of their instruction and provide a school environment that meets families' expectations. This competition is what creates the incentive to improve the quality of services, thereby attracting more students.
A 2026 review of 203 studies evaluating the impact of school choice programs concluded that 83 per cent of these studies reported positive outcomes for students.
When educational success was measured (using graduation as the proxy), 75 per cent of the studies analyzed found that school choice increased the chances of success for students who had this option. None of the studies reached the opposite conclusion.
Finally, 90 per cent of the studies that examined the impact on surrounding public institutions concluded that the effects were positive.
A Successful Model in Sweden
Sweden introduced school vouchers in 1992. At that time, under one per cent of students were enrolled in independent schools. According to data from the 2025-2026 school year, that proportion has since risen to 16.4 per cent in elementary and middle schools, and 31.5 per cent for high schools.
Studies also highlight superior academic results and a greater likelihood of going on to university in the municipalities where independent schools have made more progress.
One of these studies also concludes that competition between schools has helped boost Sweden's results in international educational assessments, estimating that without this competition, Sweden's results in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study would have been seven points lower.
"In Sweden, giving parents and children a choice between schools has not only improved pupils' results; it has also improved the quality of the schools," stressed Mr. Giguère.
Quebec Has to Do More
Thanks to specialized programs and private schools, Quebec students are already reaping some benefits from competition in education. Introducing the Swedish school voucher system would extend that choice, as well as the benefits that result, to a greater number of students.
There would be much greater freedom of choice, which would benefit more families by reducing students' financial and geographical barriers.
"Quebec doesn't need to reinvent the wheel," concludes Mr. Giguère. "Both Sweden and a great number of studies have demonstrated that a voucher system can improve outcomes for all pupils. That is the direction Quebec should take."
