Quebec Premier François Legault and newly elected Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada held their first official meeting at Montreal City Hall on Friday, November 21, 2025, focusing on critical issues including immigration, homelessness, and the protection of the French language.
Immigration and Housing Capacity Take Center Stage
During a joint news conference following their discussion, Premier Legault directly linked temporary immigration to pressing challenges facing Montreal. "In Montreal, we have exceeded our welcoming capacity," Legault stated, emphasizing his view that the influx of newcomers has exacerbated the housing crisis and contributed to the decline of French in the city.
When questioned about whether the premier's stance conflicted with her vision of Montreal as a welcoming city, Mayor Martinez Ferrada—the first immigrant woman to hold the office—expressed understanding. "Montreal is a welcoming city, but we do understand the premier's concerns about our capacity to integrate and welcome those who come to the city," she responded. The mayor noted that Montreal receives the majority of immigration to Quebec, which strains housing, social services, and the social safety net, sometimes resulting in newcomers joining the city's unhoused population.
Homeliness Crisis and Request for Additional Powers
Addressing homelessness, which Martinez Ferrada has identified as her top priority, the mayor revealed she requested additional powers from the provincial government. This would grant Montreal more flexibility and resources to tackle the crisis effectively. She reiterated campaign promises, including tripling the city's funding for homelessness initiatives, bolstering emergency services, and creating a fund to match private sector donations.
Premier Legault acknowledged his government's existing investments in affordable housing and mental health services but conceded they have not met the demand. He reinforced his connection between population growth and systemic pressures, noting, "the island of Montreal's population has increased by 200,000 over the past two years, more than half of whom are asylum seekers." This perspective has been challenged by many advocates who argue that temporary immigrants are being used as scapegoats for complex issues like the housing shortage.
Protecting French and a New Collaboration
On the topic of the French language, Premier Legault voiced concern over recent statistics showing a decrease in its use both at work and at home in Montreal. Mayor Martinez Ferrada committed to reviewing a recent report with recommendations on reversing this trend and emphasized the need to work with businesses and community organizations to ensure newcomers are supported in integrating linguistically.
The leaders also announced Montreal's interest in hosting the headquarters for a new NATO-backed defence bank, the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank. Mayor Martinez Ferrada highlighted that the project could bring over 3,000 jobs to the Greater Montreal area and elevate the city's international profile.
Following years of public clashes between Legault and former mayor Valérie Plante, both leaders expressed hope for a "renewed collaboration" between the provincial government and its largest city. "Montreal is Quebec's metropolis, and if the metropolis is doing well, Quebec is doing well," Legault said, a sentiment with which Mayor Martinez Ferrada firmly agreed.
