A New Chapter for Montreal
In a defining moment for Montreal politics and Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s career, the former federal Liberal minister has been elected as the city’s new mayor. The victory signals a strong desire for renewal among Montrealers, eager to see change after nearly a decade of left-leaning leadership.
By 10 p.m. Sunday, with half the polls reporting, Quebec’s major television networks projected Martinez Ferrada’s win over Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin. Her centrist party, Ensemble Montréal, captured 44% of the vote—putting her nearly 17,000 ballots ahead and positioning the party to dominate city council with 41 of 65 available seats.
A Campaign Built on Renewal
Throughout the campaign, Martinez Ferrada tapped into frustration that had been brewing across the city. After eight years under outgoing Mayor Valérie Plante’s administration, many voters wanted a fresh direction. Plante, who chose not to seek a third term, had become a polarizing figure due to policies that divided drivers, cyclists, and business owners alike.
Martinez Ferrada promised action. Her message was simple yet bold: restore balance, strengthen communities, and listen to the concerns of everyday Montrealers.
Tackling Homelessness Head-On
Homelessness and housing affordability dominated campaign conversations. Martinez Ferrada has vowed to triple the city’s homelessness budget and end street encampments within four years. However, she plans to ensure compassion during the transition—allowing people in tent cities to remain temporarily while she expands access to housing.
Her proactive approach resonated with voters who wanted both empathy and efficiency. As she explained on election night, “We can be both caring and decisive. Montreal deserves that balance.”
Rethinking Bike Paths and City Spending
Another key campaign issue revolved around the city’s extensive bike path network—a major part of Plante’s legacy. While Martinez Ferrada supports cycling infrastructure, she has pledged to audit all bike paths within her first 100 days in office. If some routes no longer serve the public well, she says, they’ll be reconsidered or removed.
In addition, she intends to streamline city operations by cutting 1,000 municipal jobs and improving public transit reliability, including more frequent subway service. Her fiscal focus aims to deliver practical change without sacrificing essential services.
From Refugee to Mayor
Martinez Ferrada’s personal journey continues to inspire many. Born in Chile, she arrived in Canada as a refugee at age eight. Her political career began in Montreal’s city council from 2005 to 2009, later advancing to federal politics in 2019. She joined Justin Trudeau’s cabinet in 2023 before resigning earlier this year to lead Ensemble Montréal.
Her rise from refugee to mayor symbolizes the promise of inclusion and opportunity that Montrealers cherish.
Voter Turnout Reflects Quiet Discontent
Despite the high stakes, voter turnout remained modest. As of 4 p.m. Sunday, only 27% of registered voters had cast their ballots, well below the 38% turnout in 2021 and 42% in 2017. Analysts suggest that while many wanted change, enthusiasm during the campaign lagged.
Quebec’s Municipal Elections at a Glance
Across Quebec’s 1,100 municipalities, Sunday’s elections brought notable results. Radio-Canada projected re-elections for Bruno Marchand in Quebec City and Stéphane Boyer in Laval. In Sherbrooke, another former federal minister, Marie-Claude Bibeau, secured victory. And in Saguenay, former Quebec minister Andrée Laforest led comfortably.
Interestingly, more than half of municipal candidates across the province ran unopposed, with over 4,500—including 564 mayors—elected by acclamation.
A City Ready for Change
Montreal now enters a new political era under Martinez Ferrada’s leadership. Her focus on housing, city efficiency, and balanced governance may redefine the city’s direction over the next four years. As she steps into office, expectations are high—but so is optimism.
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