Soraya Martinez Ferrada, the head of Ensemble Montréal, is set to take over as the next mayor of Montreal, as projected by CBC News. Martinez Ferrada, who has Chilean roots, has made history by becoming the first person of color to be elected as Montreal’s mayor. Embracing her campaign slogan “Listen and Act,” she emphasized the need for better communication with residents, addressing concerns such as Camillien-Houde Way, homelessness, housing, cleanliness, mobility, and safety.
During her victory speech at the TOHU, an arts venue in Montreal where she previously worked, Martinez Ferrada expressed gratitude to former Mayor Valérie Plante for shattering the glass ceiling for women in politics. She highlighted the significance of Montrealers electing a racialized woman, emphasizing a shared vision for a more inclusive city.
Following his defeat, Luc Rabouin, Martinez Ferrada’s opponent from Projet Montréal, announced his resignation as party leader. Martinez Ferrada, who arrived in Montreal as a political refugee escaping the Pinochet dictatorship in 1980, transitioned from being a Member of Parliament to municipal politics. She left the Liberal government in February to lead Ensemble Montréal, driven by a deep commitment to serving the city that provided her refuge and a platform for her political career.
Martinez Ferrada’s campaign focused on improving housing accessibility and eradicating homelessness within her first term. Despite the controversies surrounding her candidacy, including issues regarding a security deposit and social media posts by party members, Martinez Ferrada managed to secure a victory, symbolizing a shift in Montrealers’ preferences away from Projet Montréal after Plante’s two terms.
In response to her win, Plante conveyed her willingness to collaborate with Martinez Ferrada’s administration for a smooth transition. Rabouin, acknowledging his defeat, highlighted the efforts of Projet Montréal in advocating for a fairer, greener city. Plante commended Rabouin for embodying the party’s values and expressed pride in the campaign they ran.