Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada unveiled her administration’s wish list and urged the upcoming Quebec government to establish a fresh collaboration with the city on Wednesday, just a day before the anticipated provincial elections.
Emphasizing Montreal’s significance as the most populous and economically vital region in Quebec, the mayor urged for a shift from the outdated notion of pitting Montreal against other areas.
Calling for a genuine partnership with Quebec City, Martinez Ferrada highlighted the importance of consulting the metropolis, addressing its challenges and crises, and providing the necessary resources for Montreal to effectively fulfill its role within the province.
Martinez Ferrada stressed the need for government investment in addressing the escalating crisis of homelessness, enhancing public safety, and advancing infrastructure projects.
Amid a concerning rise in visible homelessness, the mayor advocated for allocating resources to create more shelter spaces and social housing. The number of individuals experiencing homelessness in Quebec surged by 20% between 2022 and 2025, surpassing 12,000, with almost 5,000 located in Montreal.
Proposals included adding 3,200 emergency shelter beds, establishing three specialized mental health and addiction emergency centers by the following year, and constructing 2,000 transitional housing units.
Additionally, the mayor urged for increased provincial investments in water management, roads, and public transportation infrastructure, particularly focusing on modernizing the STM’s infrastructure and expanding public transit in Montreal’s east end.
Martinez Ferrada also sought support for infrastructure projects aimed at mitigating flooding risks and called for the removal of immigration restrictions that hinder Montreal’s ability to attract talent and investment.
As Quebecers prepare to cast their votes on October 5, the mayor’s plea for a stronger partnership between Montreal and the provincial government resonates as a key election issue.
