Soraya Martinez Ferrada, leader of Ensemble Montréal, is set to become the next mayor of Montreal, according to projected election results on Sunday night. She marks a historic milestone as the first racialized person to lead the city, succeeding outgoing mayor Valérie Plante.
Martinez Ferrada, born in Chile and raised in Montreal as a political refugee, emphasized her campaign slogan, “Listen and Act,” during her victory speech. She addressed widespread concerns over housing, homelessness, public safety, and civic engagement.
“We heard you on Camillien-Houde, on homelessness, on housing, on cleanliness, on mobility, on safety,” she told supporters at TOHU, a cultural venue in east Montreal. “We will be an administration that listens to understand, listens to act, and listens to build Montreal with you.”
Before entering municipal politics, Martinez Ferrada served as a Liberal MP and resigned from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet to run for mayor. Her election marks only the second time a woman has led the city. Valérie Plante was the first in 2017.
Martinez Ferrada campaigned on improving housing accessibility and vowed to end homelessness during her first term. Voter turnout as of Sunday afternoon was at 27 per cent, down from 38 per cent in 2021.
In his concession speech, Projet Montréal leader Luc Rabouin acknowledged a “tough night” as the party faced its first electoral defeat after two terms in power. Valérie Plante congratulated Martinez Ferrada and promised full cooperation during the transition.
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