“An hour in politics is a day. A day is a week and a week is an eternity. »
Published at 5:00 a.m.
This is how Federal Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada responded on Friday to journalists, who asked her a simple question: will you be a candidate for mayor of Montreal?
Free translation: yes-no-yes.
His cryptic response fits reality quite well. In reality, at least.
Just a week ago, no one was seriously considering her as a mayoral candidate. Some names were circulating, such as that of the former Liberal minister David Heurtel or the president of Centraide Montreal, Claude Pinard. But not his.
Since then, everyone has been talking about Soraya Martinez Ferrada.
What happened?
The Liberal MP for Hochelaga herself lit the fire of speculation last Monday. She delivered a speech to the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, which had all the appearance of a pre-campaign announcement.
In her speech, she addressed the city’s “challenges,” such as homelessness. But also its “innovative”, “inclusive” and “resilient” character, and the strength of its industries such as artificial intelligence.
The platform was ideal for positioning yourself as a possible “economic” candidate, in opposition to outgoing mayor Valérie Plante, perceived as being less favorable to the business community.
Many in the room welcomed this speech as the official launch of his campaign. We can completely understand them.
Is it serious, then?
According to several sources, Soraya Martinez Ferrada has a very real interest in Montreal town hall. But also: a form of conflict of loyalty.
Because in addition to being a federal MP, she is co-chair of the national campaign committee for Justin Trudeau’s Liberals.
As an election is likely to be called in the coming months in Ottawa, she should “pass the puck” to a colleague, without appearing to abandon ship. She is firmly committed to blocking Pierre Poilievre’s conservative troops. Dilemma.
Another issue: what training could she join at the municipal level?
Currently, the only opposition party well in the saddle is Ensemble Montréal. But he is going through a serious governance crisis, which acts as a repellent for several potential candidates.
It remains that Mme Martinez Ferrada would have several assets to position herself as a credible candidate for mayor, if she decides to run.
First there is his family history. Born in Chile in 1972, arriving in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve in 1980, she embodies the face of successful integration into Quebec society.
This journey could resonate with Montreal’s large Latino community. And undoubtedly among many other voters with an immigrant background, who represent a growing share of the electorate on the island.
His professional path also allows him to check several boxes.
A graduate of HEC Montréal, the mother of two children worked in the community sector in the early 2000s, among others at the Éco-quartier Saint-Michel. She has held management positions, notably at TOHU.
She also has quite extensive experience in municipal politics. She was elected councilor in 2005 in Gérald Tremblay’s party, before joining the party of Louise Harel (Vision Montréal), then Marcel Côté (Coalition Montréal).
On the federal scene, she caused a surprise by winning the 2019 election in Hochelaga, with a narrow majority. She was re-elected in 2021.
But it is especially in the last year that Soraya Martinez Ferrada has gained visibility. She joined the Council of Ministers in the summer of 2023, during a reshuffle made by Justin Trudeau. She has since been Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec.
In short, a story to follow. It would be surprising if she confirmed (or denied) anything before the start of next year.
In any case, the “buzz” that it has created over the past week seems to have revived interest in the race for mayor of Montreal.
It must be said that the clock is ticking: the vote will take place in less than 11 months, in November 2025.
The opposition party, Ensemble Montréal, is in turmoil. He had to postpone his race for leadership. It is still looking to restructure itself. Four of its nine employees have been fired or resigned in recent weeks, including its general director.
Things are brewing, according to my sources, and the details of the future leadership campaign are still awaited.
As for Projet Montréal, the party in power, the race to succeed Valérie Plante is on track. The machine is well oiled. Several have already confirmed their candidacy, including Luc Rabouin, mayor of Plateau-Mont-Royal, and Gracia Kasoki Katahwa, mayor of Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. And the mayor of Lachine, Maja Vodanovic, must announce this Monday that she will enter the race in turn.
Valérie Plante’s successor at the head of the party will be known on March 15.
Now, the question that is causing more and more talk behind the scenes: will we see the birth of a new party? A training that could stand up to Projet Montréal and bring together candidates disappointed by Ensemble Montréal?
Probability: fairly high.
Like many Montrealers, I can’t wait to know the names of those who will embark on the adventure. And above all: to hear ideas and concrete proposals.
