With the upcoming election nearing, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the leader of Ensemble Montréal, is currently leading in the polls, as per a survey conducted by Segma for Radio-Canada. The survey, which involved approximately 1,000 Montreal residents surveyed online and via phone from October 3 to 9, reveals Martinez Ferrada holding a 26% lead in voting preferences, surpassing Luc Rabouin of Projet Montréal by eight percentage points.
The results encompass individuals who are undecided, not planning to vote, or declined to answer, constituting the majority of respondents at 37%. Excluding this group from the final count widens Martinez Ferrada’s lead to 42%, with Rabouin trailing at 29%.
Other mayoral candidates, including Gilbert Thibodeau of Action Montréal, Craig Sauvé of Transition Montréal, and Jean-François Kacou of Futur Montréal, did not reach the 10% mark, even when considering undecided voters.
Martinez Ferrada’s popularity is notably higher among those aged 55 and above, garnering 32% of their support compared to Rabouin’s 15%. The survey indicates a close race between the leading candidates among francophone voters, with Martinez Ferrada holding an advantage with English speakers and allophones.
Regarding satisfaction with the current mayor, Valérie Plante, ahead of her exit, the poll shows a significant dissatisfaction rate, with 55% expressing dissatisfaction, including 33% who are extremely unsatisfied. This discontent spans across various age groups and backgrounds, particularly among potential Ensemble Montréal voters.
Infrastructure and homelessness emerge as top concerns for voters, with 83% expressing dissatisfaction with Montreal’s road conditions. Comparatively, dissatisfaction levels in Laval and Longueuil stand at 57% and 54%, respectively.
Preferences on investing in reducing car usage vary by age group, with a majority favoring such initiatives among individuals aged 18 to 45. In contrast, those aged over 45 show a different perspective.
Opinions on bike paths also differ among respondents, with satisfaction levels and campaign promises from Martinez Ferrada and Rabouin eliciting varied responses. Martinez Ferrada plans to conduct an audit on bike paths early in her term, while Rabouin aims to enhance access to Montreal’s Bixi bicycle-sharing service.
The survey reveals a divided stance on the importance of reducing car presence in the city, with 47% supporting such measures. Respondents were asked to select two top priorities from a list of issues for the upcoming election, with infrastructure and homelessness ranking highest among voters’ concerns. Social housing and community programs are favored solutions by nearly half of those surveyed, emphasizing the need for investments in these areas.