Valérie Plante, Montreal’s outgoing mayor, graciously welcomed Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the newly elected mayor, in a historic transition meeting at City Hall on Wednesday. This marks the first official handover between incoming and outgoing mayors in the city’s history.
Expressing her hope for establishing a new tradition, Plante emphasized the significance of the occasion for future power transitions at City Hall. Martinez Ferrada, a 53-year-old former federal Liberal MP and cabinet minister, succeeds Plante, who notably served as the city’s first female mayor and leader of Projet Montréal but opted not to seek a third term.
In a heartfelt tribute, Martinez Ferrada commended Plante for shattering barriers and paving the way for women in the city’s political landscape. The mayoral transition signifies a notable shift for Montreal after eight years under the previous administration.
In her victory speech, Martinez Ferrada articulated her commitment to courage and ambition, emphasizing the pride and humility she feels in receiving the mandate to lead Montreal as its next mayor. She emphasized the historic nature of her election as a candidate representing diversity, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and belonging to all residents.
Martinez Ferrada’s campaign promises include initiatives to enact a new affordable housing bylaw, support homeowners vulnerable to flooding, boost downtown businesses, address homelessness through shelter investment, enhance city cleanliness, streamline construction management, and improve mobility by reevaluating bike paths, enhancing metro safety, and maintaining vehicle access on Camillien-Houde Way.
