Historic first: Filipino-Canadian Stephanie Valenzuela elected borough mayor in Montreal

Stephanie Valenzuela has made history as the first Filipino Canadian elected borough mayor in Montreal, following her victory in Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce (CDN–NDG).

Valenzuela, a first-generation Filipino Canadian, grew up in Côte-des-Neiges and graduated from McGill University with degrees in Political Science and International Development.

Her community involvement began early—she volunteered at local shelters and took part in neighborhood projects like annual flower distributions, experiences that deepened her dedication to public service.

Both the Philippine Embassy in Canada and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas released statements congratulating Valenzuela, describing her November 2 win as a moment of pride for the Filipino diaspora.

Her community involvement began early — she volunteered at local shelters and took part in neighbourhood projects like annual flower distributions, experiences that deepened her dedication to public service.

Her parents immigrated to Canada with few family ties and found a sense of belonging within the Filipino community.

Giving back

That experience, Valenzuela said, shaped her commitment to giving back.

After university, she worked and volunteered in Monterrey, Mexico, with the NGO La Paz Comienza Con Los Niños (“Peace Begins with Children”), where she gained skills in project management, fundraising, and public relations — tools that would later serve her in public life.

Upon returning to Montreal, Valenzuela continued her community engagement through the Côte-des-Neiges Black Community Association’s Strengthening Families Program and as communications director for the Filipino Heritage Society of Montreal.

City Councillor

She first made history in 2021 as the first Filipino Canadian city councillor in Montreal, representing Darlington in CDN–NDG.

Her latest victory, under the Ensemble Montréal banner, cements her growing leadership role and her advocacy for inclusion, innovation, and investment in one of the city’s most diverse districts.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Valenzuela thanked her campaign team, volunteers, and supporters for their hard work, acknowledging the many who knocked on doors, distributed flyers, and drove residents to vote.

She also opened up about the challenges of campaigning while pregnant, crediting her partner Dean and their young daughter as her inspiration.

“I’m doing it for her and her generation,” she wrote, “to offer them, and those to follow, even more than we got growing up in CDN–NDG—a safer, fairer, cleaner community with opportunities for every family.”

Valenzuela concluded, “Thanks to my team for your trust. The work has just begun, and we’re more motivated than ever to deliver over the next four years.”

She stands up for the rights and concerns of her diverse borough. Around 75% of residents are immigrants.

Of the 40,000 Filipinos in Montreal, more than half are in her borough.