Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada of Montreal and Mayor Catherine Fournier of Longueuil issued a joint appeal on Tuesday, September 15, urging the Quebec provincial government to place municipal infrastructure funding at the forefront of the upcoming election campaign. The two municipal leaders emphasized that without new measures, the cost of maintaining existing infrastructure will continue to rise, threatening the ability of both cities to keep pace with essential repairs and upgrades.
The appeal comes as Quebec prepares for a provincial election, with major urban centers highlighting the urgency of increased investment in roads, bridges, public transit and water systems. Both mayors highlighted that current funding arrangements are insufficient to address the growing backlog of maintenance tasks, and that delayed action could result in higher long‑term expenses and service disruptions for residents.
In their statements, the mayors stressed that infrastructure is a foundational element of municipal services and economic stability. They called on provincial candidates to make concrete commitments to bolster municipal budgets, ensuring that funds are allocated directly to projects that sustain daily operations and future growth in the region.
The joint message underscores a broader pattern of municipal leaders across Quebec seeking greater fiscal support from the provincial government ahead of the election. By framing infrastructure funding as a central campaign issue, Montreal and Longueuil aim to influence policy priorities and secure resources needed to maintain public assets.
As the election approaches, the provincial political landscape will likely incorporate discussions of municipal infrastructure financing, reflecting the concerns raised by the two mayors. Their coordinated effort signals a concerted push for systemic change in how Quebec addresses the upkeep and modernization of its urban infrastructure.