Soraya Martinez Ferrada journey is a story of resilience, reinvention, and public service. Born in Santiago, Chile, in 1972, she arrived in Montreal as a child refugee fleeing Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship. Today, at 53, Ferrada is the leader of Ensemble Montréal and a frontrunner in the 2025 Montreal mayoral race, advocating for housing equity, economic innovation, and immigrant empowerment. Her political career spans federal office—serving as Minister of Tourism and Parliamentary Secretary to Housing—to municipal leadership, with a unique ability to blend personal experience with policy impact.
Soraya Martinez Ferrada made history as the first Liberal MP for Hochelaga in 35 years, elected in 2019, and has since emerged as a pragmatic progressive. Her legacy bridges personal hardship and public service, demonstrating that leadership rooted in lived experience can drive meaningful change in cities and across Canada.
Quick Facts of Soraya Martinez Ferrada
| Full Name | Soraya Marisel Martínez Ferrada |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1972 (Age 53) |
| Place of Birth | Santiago, Chile |
| Nationality | Chilean-Canadian |
| Education | HEC Montréal, Business Administration |
| Career Beginnings | Management consultant at Ernst & Young; entered politics in 2019 |
| Political Roles | Parliamentary Secretary to Housing (2021–2023), Minister of Tourism (2023–2025), Leader of Ensemble Montréal (2025–) |
| Family | Two children; single mother by choice |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000–$1M CAD |
| Languages | French, English, Spanish |
| Notable Achievements | First Liberal MP for Hochelaga in 35 years; King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025); $1M+ in federal funding for Montreal social economy; 2025 Montreal mayoral candidate |
Early Life and Education
Born amid Chile’s political turmoil, Ferrada fled to Montreal in 1979 with her mother, leaving behind her father. Growing up in the Hochelaga neighborhood, she became trilingual, balancing Spanish at home with French and English at school. Her mother’s sacrifices and her brother’s long-term care shaped Ferrada’s empathy and sense of responsibility. She earned a business degree from HEC Montréal while juggling part-time jobs, laying the groundwork for a career that combined analytical rigor with social consciousness.
Career Path: Consulting to Politics
Ferrada began her professional life as a management consultant at Ernst & Young, refining skills in analysis and problem-solving. Her volunteer work with community housing projects revealed a passion for public service. In 2019, she ran for Parliament and won Hochelaga for the Liberals with 38% of the vote, breaking a 35-year electoral drought. She leveraged her consulting acumen to champion local economic development, securing over $1M in funding for Montreal startups and social enterprises.
Federal Milestones
- Parliamentary Secretary for Housing (2021–2023): Advocated for affordable housing initiatives, improving access for underserved communities in Hochelaga.
- Minister of Tourism (2023–2025): Oversaw post-pandemic recovery, directing over $1M to Quebec’s social economy and promoting Montreal as a global tourist destination.
- Awards: King Charles III Coronation Medal (2025) for public service contributions.
Her 2024 Commons speech recounting her abortion at age 18 highlighted her advocacy for reproductive rights and demonstrated her willingness to bring personal experience into public policy debates.
2025 Montreal Mayoral Campaign
Ferrada transitioned to municipal politics in 2025, leading Ensemble Montréal in a competitive mayoral race. Polls show her at approximately 25% support, with a significant undecided voter bloc. Her platform focuses on delivering 10,000 affordable housing units, enhancing urban infrastructure, and championing inclusive economic policies. Despite campaign controversies—such as a security deposit dispute and candidate expulsion—she maintains a reputation for transparency and pragmatism.
Personal Life
Ferrada is a single mother by choice, raising two children in Montreal. Her family, particularly her mother and brother, has deeply influenced her commitment to caregiving and social advocacy. She maintains a low-profile personal life, focusing on family and public service while remaining active in local cultural initiatives.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Ferrada’s net worth is estimated between $500,000–$1M CAD, stemming from her ministerial salary, prior consulting work, and modest property holdings. She leads a lifestyle marked by purposeful restraint, philanthropy, and community engagement, rather than ostentation.
Legacy and Impact
From refugee to federal minister to mayoral candidate, Ferrada’s story underscores the transformative power of resilience and civic dedication. She has championed housing, tourism, and social economy initiatives, making a tangible impact on Montreal and Quebec. Her legacy is defined by her advocacy for immigrants, women, and underserved communities, reflecting a life that merges personal narrative with public service.
