Montreal will soon welcome a new mayor for the first time in eight years, with Soraya Martinez Ferrada set to take the helm. This historic moment marks her as the first person of Latin American descent to hold this prestigious position in the city.
Born in Santiago, Chile in 1972, Martinez Ferrada and her family sought refuge in Canada in 1980 to escape the oppressive dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Her childhood memories are marked by the military presence enforcing new national anthems, reflecting the tumultuous political climate in Chile during that time.
Martinez Ferrada’s professional journey began in the cultural and community sectors. She played key roles at the TOHU, a Montreal arts venue, and later served as a city councillor for Saint-Michel. Notably, she spearheaded projects like the transformation of Miron quarry into Frédéric-Back Park and the underground installation of electrical wires on Jarry Street.
Her ties to federal politics are also significant, having managed Mélanie Joly’s election campaign and later serving as a Liberal MP for Hochelaga. She held various positions in federal government, including parliamentary secretary roles, before being appointed as tourism minister in 2023.
Returning to municipal politics with her mayoral win, Martinez Ferrada aims to address housing accessibility, homelessness, and mobility issues in Montreal. Drawing from her federal experience, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector to drive positive change.
Throughout her campaign, Martinez Ferrada has stressed her commitment to listening to Montrealers and improving construction site coordination across the city. Despite facing criticism over her stance on bike paths, she remains focused on her vision for a more inclusive and efficient governance approach in Montreal.