MP Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who has served as tourism minister since 2023, on Thursday resigned from her role as co-chair of the Liberal party’s national re-election campaign committee.
The Hochelaga, Montréal MP also quit cabinet as tourism minister and said she is leaving Parliament, per Blacklock’s Reporter.
“I choose Montréal,” said Ferrada. She said she will seek the city’s mayoralty in municipal elections November 2.
“After much reflection I have decided to run for mayor of Montréal,” said Ferrada.
“This was not an easy decision but it is one I know is right in which I will continue to fight for progressive values.”
“The desire to serve the city that welcomed me as a young refugee from Chile, to serve the city that gave me my start in politics, is one that is too important for me to ignore,” Ferrada wrote in a resignation letter.
“I am excited about the future and the opportunity.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2023 appointed Ferrada and Prairie Economic Development Minister Terry Duguid to run the Liberal party’s campaign for a fourth term.
“We are going to have to be ready,” she told reporters at the time.
“Ready means what? Getting candidates, getting MPs knocking on doors, getting our volunteers, donating money to the party.”
Liberals subsequently lost three Commons seats in byelections in Toronto-St. Paul’s, LaSalle-Émard-Verdun, QC, and Cloverdale-Langley City, BC.
Ferrada blamed the economy. “People feel that life is hard,” she said last June 19.
“The struggle they have in everyday life, it is difficult,” said Ferrada.
“I feel that frustration, of course. We see it everywhere.”
Ferrada weeks ago said Liberals must “stand up to a rise of populism.” Asked to comment on US election returns last November 6, she questioned the impact in Canada.
“We will continue to have these conversations, continue to look for the candidates we need,” Ferrada told reporters.
“What I see on the ground is there are a lot of people who want to stand with us, who want to stand up to a rise of populism which could elect Pierre Poilievre here in Ottawa.”
What does it mean for electoral strategy in Canada?” asked a reporter.
“All I can say is a campaign is important,” replied Ferrada.
“Does the United States election change anything for you?” asked a reporter.
“I cannot comment on what effect it will have,” replied Ferrada.
“What lesson can you take from Democrats losing?” asked a reporter.
“It’s too early to talk about lessons,” replied Ferrada.
“What lessons?” asked a reporter.
“I would just say campaigns are important and we’re going to make sure we are ready for the next campaign,” replied Ferrada.
“Does it worry you?” asked a reporter.
“There is real uncertainty and concern about what a Conservative Poilievre government can do,” replied Ferrada.
