Ensemble Montréal Leader Soraya Martinez Ferrada is leading in the polls ahead of the upcoming election, with a recent survey indicating her advantage over her opponents. Conducted by research firm Segma on behalf of Radio-Canada, the poll surveyed approximately 1,000 Montreal residents between October 3 and 9, showing Martinez Ferrada with 26% of the vote, eight percentage points ahead of Projet Montréal’s Luc Rabouin.
When considering undecided voters and those who did not respond, the majority of respondents fell into this category, comprising 37% of the total. Excluding this group from the final count, Martinez Ferrada’s lead widens to 42%, a substantial 13 percentage points ahead of Rabouin, who garners 29% support under these conditions.
The survey also revealed that other mayoral candidates did not surpass the 10% mark, with Gilbert Thibodeau at 8%, Craig Sauvé at 5%, and Jean-François Kacou at 3%. Martinez Ferrada showcased significant popularity among individuals aged 55 and above, securing 32% of the vote in that demographic, while Rabouin received 15% support from the same age group.
Although the leading candidates are closely contested among francophone voters, Martinez Ferrada holds an advantage with English speakers and allophones. Regarding satisfaction with Montreal’s current mayor, the poll indicated a high level of dissatisfaction among respondents, with 55% expressing dissatisfaction with Valérie Plante’s performance, including 33% who are extremely unsatisfied.
Infrastructure and homelessness emerged as top priorities for voters, with 83% expressing dissatisfaction with Montreal’s roads. This dissatisfaction level surpassed that of Laval and Longueuil, where 57% and 54% of respondents, respectively, were dissatisfied with road conditions. The survey highlighted varying opinions on investing in car reduction, with a majority of individuals aged 18 to 45 supporting such initiatives, while those over 45 exhibited contrasting views.
Opinions were divided on bike paths, with 49% of respondents satisfied with their development. Martinez Ferrada proposed an audit on bike paths within her first 100 days if elected, while Rabouin pledged to enhance access to Montreal’s Bixi bicycle-sharing service.
Regarding spending priorities, nearly half of respondents favored investment in social housing and community programs over additional shelters. The majority of respondents emphasized the importance of sponge parks to prevent flooding, likely influenced by past flooding incidents in the city.
