MONTREAL — Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, the first woman elected to the city's top job, said Wednesday she won't seek re-election in the November 2025 municipal elections.
Plante told reporters at Montreal City Hall she doesn't have a third four-year term in her.
"It is a heartbreaking decision. It was not easy to make because I do love my job," Plante said. "Recently I came to realize that I couldn't commit to another four years and guarantee Montrealers the same level of energy I've always given."
She added that her health was fine and that she will fully assumer her duties over the next 12 months. Municipal elections are scheduled for Nov. 2, 2025, in Montreal and across the province.
As well as being mayor of Montreal, Plante is also mayor of the downtown Ville-Marie borough and has served as leader of the Projet Montréal party since December 2016. Plante was first elected to city council in 2013.
Originally from Rouyn-Noranda, Que., Plante moved to Montreal at 19, where she earned university degrees in anthropology and museology.
Plante entered office in 2017, at the age of 43, defeating incumbent mayor Denis Coderre, a former federal Liberal cabinet minister. Plante and her Projet Montréal party were re-elected in 2021. A leadership race will begin in the coming months, she said.
"Our movement is no accident: our ideas or projects reflect the will of the vast majority of Montrealers, and are making waves elsewhere in Quebec," Plante said.
Plante and her party are recognized for their many projects involving greening the city, transforming major arteries to be more accommodating to cycling, and closing streets to cars to make vibrant, pedestrian zones in several districts.
Quebec City Mayor Bruno Marchand responded to the news on X, saying Plante's commitment to Montreal has been sincere.
"She has initiated significant changes and has made the entire province of Quebec shine. Every time our cities shine, it is our whole nation that shines as well. Thank you for everything … It has been a true privilege to share this journey with you."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.
Joe Bongiorno, The Canadian Press
