Ensemble Montréal leadership candidate Martinez Ferrada receives public backing from several party officials
Posted February 12, 2025 11:38 am.
Last Updated February 12, 2025 11:47 am.
The only candidate to so far announce her intentions to run for the leadership of Ensemble Montréal is being publicly backed by several current party members.
Former federal Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who resigned from cabinet last week to announce her candidacy, revealed Wednesday she has received the support of seven elected officials.
Interim leader Aref Salem; Montreal North mayor Christine Black; Pierrefonds-Roxboro mayor Jim Beis; Outremont mayor Laurent Desbois; L’Île-Bizard-Sainte-Geneviève mayor Doug Hurley; caucus president Stéphanie Valenzuela; and housing spokesperson Julien Hénault-Ratelle are all backing Martinez Ferrada.
“I’m very happy to receive the support of these committed elected officials who work every day to serve Montrealers,” Martinez Ferrada said in a news release. “My conversation with the members and elected officials of Ensemble Montréal is progressing very well and, together, we are building a strong vision for our city.”
Martinez Ferrada was first elected to the federal riding of Hochelaga in 2019. The 52-year-old HEC Montréal graduate was a city councillor in Montreal’s Saint-Michel from 2005 to 2009.
On April 6, Ensemble Montréal members will select their new leader, who will represent the party as its mayoral candidate in the city’s November election.
“Ensemble Montréal and the citizens of Montreal are proud of Soraya’s candidacy,” Salem said. “She has a flawless record: manager, Member of Parliament, then minister. She has all the qualities and experience needed to lead this metropolis and meet the challenges that lie ahead.”
Meanwhile Projet Montréal has five candidates running to replace longtime leader Valérie Plante, who is not seeking re-election as mayor of Montreal. The winner will be announced March 15.
