Biography
Aref Salem has been City Councillor for the district of Norman-McLaren in the Saint-Laurent borough since 2009. He also served as Interim Leader of Ensemble Montréal from November 2021 to March 2025 and as Leader of the Official Opposition at Montreal City Hall during the 2021–2024 term.
Over the course of his time with the City of Montreal, he was responsible for transportation on the Executive Committee from 2013 to 2017, then served as Vice-Chair of the Transportation and Public Works Commission from 2017 to 2021. He also sat on several boards of directors, including BIXI Montréal and Stationnement Montréal, in addition to serving as Associate Councillor for Culture, Heritage, Design, and Diverse Communities. He holds two bachelor’s degrees—one in Microbiology from the Université de Montréal and another in Business Administration from HEC Montréal—and managed an SME for 17 years.
Among his key accomplishments are the creation of the “Bonjour Taxis” initiative and the rescue of BIXI when the organization faced financial difficulties—two projects that have become emblematic of the city. As head of transportation, Aref Salem also contributed to the development of Montreal’s first parking policy, aimed at managing parking more strategically, reducing car dependency, supporting commercial arteries, and promoting public and active transportation.
Beyond his professional background, which reflects his passion for social issues and business, Aref Salem is a man of the people—dedicated, involved, and attentive. He fled the war in Lebanon 35 years ago, on his birthday, to immigrate to Montreal, where he now raises his two daughters, Tara and Joya. It was out of gratitude toward the city and its residents that he chose to enter politics.
Representing one of the city’s most progressive boroughs, he is determined to restore Montreal’s prominence and help build a greener, fairer, forward-thinking, and inclusive city for future generations.
