Ensemble Montréal promises free parking to social and homecare workers

Mayoral candidate and the leader of Ensemble Montréal Soraya Martinez Ferrada said they would grant free parking permits to workers who provide home care to seniors and those with reduced mobility, if elected in November.

In a press release on Thursday, Ferrada said that she would grant request for free parking permits from worker groups and those who rely on those workers for their daily needs.

“Considering home care in parking planning—essential for many of our citizens—is exactly the kind of solution Ensemble Montréal will implement,” Ferrada said.

Sylvie Nelson, president of Syndicat québécois des employées et employés de service (SQEES-FTQ), a union representing health and social services workers said she welcomed the announcement, according to the press release.

 “It saves time searching for free parking spots and avoids potential fines,” Nelson said.

Sarah Dubuc, collective rights advocacy officer at Ex aequo, a Montreal-based organization that advocates for people with reduced mobility, said, “Granting parking permits to home care workers would improve the lives of those who hire their own caregivers through the direct employment voucher.”  She said she hoped other parties will follow suit.

Montrealers will head to the polls on Nov. 2.