Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada is publicly distancing herself from the growing controversy surrounding Quebec Liberal Party leader Pablo Rodriguez, who is now expected to resign. The mayor's move comes after revelations she attended a summer event hosted by the same businessman at the centre of allegations involving Rodriguez's leadership campaign.
The Garden Party Connection
According to a report by La Presse on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Martinez Ferrada attended a garden party in July. At the time, she was a candidate for mayor of Montreal. The event was hosted by businessman Emanuel Cabral, a wine and port importer and producer.
Cabral is the same individual alleged to have reimbursed attendees $500 each for donations they made to Pablo Rodriguez's Quebec Liberal leadership campaign at a separate fundraising event in the spring. These allegations form part of a series of ethical problems that have led to Rodriguez's anticipated resignation.
"This Was Not a Fundraising Event"
Speaking at an event hosted by the Chambre de commerce de l’est de Montréal on Wednesday, Mayor Martinez Ferrada directly addressed the situation. "This was not a fundraising event," she told reporters, referring specifically to the July garden party she attended.
She expressed regret over the unfolding scandal, stating, "I deplore the current situation, which casts a shadow over all the work that elected officials and the entire political class have done in recent years to clarify everyone’s role in respecting fundraising laws." She added firmly, "What happened is unacceptable, but the event I participated in was not a fundraising event."
When questioned about her relationship with Cabral, the mayor downplayed any personal ties. "I have no personal relationship with him," she stated, explaining she attended the event solely in her capacity as a mayoral candidate. This statement appears to contrast with remarks captured in a YouTube video from the garden party, where Martinez Ferrada is heard saying she has known Cabral for many years and described him as "someone who has always been open to his community."
Political Fallout and Reactions
The mayor's attempts to separate herself from the controversy have not silenced criticism. The official opposition at Montreal city hall, Projet Montréal, stated the situation raises serious questions that require answers.
In a social media post, Projet Montréal interim leader Ericka Alneus said the revelation that the mayor attended Cabral's event left her "perplexed and concerned." Alneus emphasized the importance of maintaining ethical standards, writing, "It’s been years since UPAC (Quebec’s anti-corruption unit) has had to get involved in Montreal, and it’s imperative that it stays that way."
Also in attendance at the July garden party was Montreal North borough mayor Christine Black, who was at the time running for her position with Martinez Ferrada's Ensemble Montréal party.
The mayor's office declined to comment further on the matter on Wednesday. The scandal continues to unfold as the Quebec Liberal Party prepares for a leadership transition following Rodriguez's expected departure.
