Soraya Martinez Ferrada, a seasoned politician with a diverse political background, has been elected as Montreal’s new mayor, marking a significant change for the city after eight years under the previous administration. Martinez Ferrada, who transitioned from federal to municipal politics earlier this year, emerged victorious in a closely contested election, defeating prominent candidates from rival parties.
At 53 years old, Martinez Ferrada assumes leadership from Valérie Plante, the city’s first female mayor, who chose not to seek a third term due to the demanding nature of public service. The new mayor faces various challenges, including addressing issues such as housing affordability, homelessness, and urban development.
During her campaign, Martinez Ferrada pledged to enact a new affordable housing bylaw, support homeowners at risk of flooding, boost downtown businesses, tackle homelessness through funding and shelter investments, enhance city cleanliness, improve construction site management, and upgrade transportation infrastructure.
Having previously served as the minister of tourism in the federal government under Justin Trudeau, Martinez Ferrada’s victory reflects her reputation as a strong leader. Her platform resonated with voters who sought change and solutions to pressing urban problems.
Martinez Ferrada’s political journey began in the late 1980s when she arrived in Montreal as a political refugee from Chile. Over the years, she has held various positions in both federal and municipal governments, showcasing her dedication to public service and commitment to effecting positive change in her community.