Outgoing Montreal mayor Valérie Plante welcomed mayor-elect Soraya Martinez Ferrada to city hall on Wednesday, a symbolic gesture meant to illustrate a smooth transition of power.

After exchanging handshakes in front of the media, the two met behind closed doors to discuss some of the ongoing projects Plante hopes the new administration will continue to champion.

“Now that Montrealers have spoken, what matters is ensuring an effective and smooth transition,” Plante told reporters after the meeting.

Plante had requested the transition meeting earlier in the week, noting the same courtesy was not offered to her when she was first elected in 2017.

Plante said she hopes the display of co-operation  —  which she said was a first in Montreal’s history  —  will help fight against cynicism in

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