Soraya Martinez Ferrada Announces that Claude Pinard Will be Ensemble Montréal’s Candidate in the Saint-Jacques District

Montreal, August 27, 2025 – Soraya Martinez Ferrada, candidate for mayor of Montreal and leader of Ensemble Montréal, announced Wednesday that Claude Pinard will run for city councillor in the Saint-Jacques district under the party’s banner.

Until recently the Executive Director of Centraide Montreal, Claude Pinard would also be appointed President of the Executive Committee in a Martinez Ferrada administration.

An Experienced Leader Serving the Most Vulnerable
During his tenure at the head of Centraide, Claude Pinard spearheaded a wave of transformation, with fundraising campaigns and social investments making remarkable progress. He initiated civic mobilization through initiatives such as the GALOPH project, aimed at creating social and affordable housing on the site of the former Blue Bonnets racetrack, as well as the “Grande conversation sur le logement,” which brought together stakeholders from diverse sectors to launch a deep reflection on this pressing issue.

Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to the continuous improvement of Quebec society, the well-being of its most vulnerable populations, and the integration of newcomers. Mr. Pinard also contributed to the creation of the Maison de l’innovation sociale and the very first incubator dedicated to newcomers, earning recognition from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Commission. His experience in the business community also includes leadership roles at Saputo and serving as Special Advisor to the CEO of Hydro-Québec.

A President of the Executive Committee Close to the People
As City Councillor for the Saint-Jacques district and President of the Executive Committee, Claude Pinard—whose extensive track record spans both the business world and the community sector—will work to restore citizens’ trust in their metropolis.

Quotes

“Claude has devoted himself, body and soul, for years and years to making Montreal a more equitable, fair, and humane city. His expertise in tackling poverty and homelessness, addressing the housing crisis, as well as his management experience in both the philanthropic and business sectors, make him the ideal person to become President of the Executive Committee and bring a breath of renewal to Montreal. Claude shows that, with Ensemble Montréal, we don’t need Quebec to have a Top Gun.”
— Soraya Martinez Ferrada, candidate for Mayor of Montreal and Leader of Ensemble Montréal“Montreal and its citizens are living through a time of anxiety and discouragement, when we more than ever need to roll up our sleeves, get to work, and give Montrealers back their ability to dream. Yet, in meeting Soraya and her team, hope is renewed: she is a woman of action, but above all, someone who listens. That is what Montreal needs, now more than ever. Together, we will put people back at the heart of our city’s priorities.”
— Claude Pinard, candidate for City Councillor in the Saint-Jacques district for Ensemble Montréal