Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Soraya Martinez Ferrada Sworn In as Montreal Mayor, Puts Homelessness First

She sets a homelessness-first agenda focused on placements over encampment sweeps.

Overview

  • At a city hall ceremony, Martinez Ferrada took the oath of office and pledged to rebuild confidence and essential services as she urged Montreal to aim for world-class status.
  • She declared homelessness her No. 1 priority and called on all elected officials to join a coordinated “war effort” to address it.
  • The new mayor said tent encampments will not be dismantled immediately as the city works to find places for people to go and seeks additional resources from the Quebec government.
  • Her inaugural speech outlined key challenges across housing affordability, public safety, cleanliness, downtown economic vitality, environmental stewardship and public finances.
  • She assumes office after Ensemble Montréal’s Nov. 2 win that ended eight years of Projet Montréal, becoming the city’s second woman mayor as the city reports women now outnumber men among borough leaders, with recounts still ongoing in a few close races.