Soraya Martinez Ferrada Becomes Montréal’s FIRST Immigrant Mayor

Soraya Martinez Ferrada made history by becoming the first immigrant to hold the mayoralty of Montréal. Her election is not just a political shift: it symbolizes a turning point for the metropolis, reflecting its diversity, resilience, and capacity for renewal.

Born on August 28, 1972, in Santiago, Chile, Soraya arrived in Quebec at the age of eight with her family as a political refugee fleeing the Chilean dictatorship. “We left our country with little, but with a lot of hope,” she recalls. She grew up in east Montréal, in Longueuil, and pursued her studies at HEC Montréal, where she earned a master’s degree in management. These personal experiences shaped her vision of an inclusive city that pays attention to the realities of all its citizens.

Soraya Martinez Ferrada began her political career in 2005 as a city councillor in Saint-Michel. She became a federal MP for Ochelaga in 2019, then Minister of Tourism in 2023. On November 2, 2025, she won the municipal election with 43.4% of the vote, a score that reflects Montréalers’ confidence in her vision and ability to lead the city.

“My goal is to create a city where everyone feels heard and represented,” she states. This declaration reflects a pragmatic and progressive approach, focused on concrete action and active listening to citizens.

From the very first days of her term, Soraya Martinez Ferrada plans to focus on housing and urban safety, two critical issues for Montréal residents. She also intends to renovate urban infrastructures, expand bike lanes, and improve traffic flow. “We must rethink our spaces so that Montréal is a city where it’s good to live, work, and get around,” she explains.

Her administration also promises to remain close to immigrant communities, integrating their needs into political decisions. According to Soraya, “electing someone from an immigrant background is not just symbolic, it’s an invitation to civic participation and concrete action for all.”

The new mayor also took care to praise her predecessor, Valérie Plante, for her role in promoting women’s political empowerment in Montréal. “Valérie Plante broke a glass ceiling, not only for this city, but for all women who aspire to lead,” says Soraya. This continuity of female leadership highlights the city’s gradual evolution toward inclusive and representative governance.

Soraya Martinez Ferrada’s election goes beyond politics: it represents a symbol for future generations and marginalized communities. Her journey is a reminder that resilience and boldness can transform a person’s trajectory and influence an entire city.

For entrepreneurs, community actors, and engaged citizens, her motto “listen before acting” serves as a call for active participation. Under her leadership, Montréal appears as a metropolis in transition, open to social innovation, diversity, and civic collaboration.

In conclusion, Soraya Martinez Ferrada is not just a new mayor: she embodies the hope of a city that wants to reflect its residents, tackle its challenges, and offer tangible opportunities to all. Montréal is entering an unprecedented chapter in its history, driven by the vision of a woman who transformed her personal journey into a driver of collective change.