Posts, videos and speeches

ountries culminates in Dubai. It will be featured during the Opening Ceremony on July 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, alongside performances by artists and athletes from over 30 countries!! The event celebrates the diversity and strength of the global Ismaili community, with cultural showcases, service projects, and youth engagement at its heart. ❤️ Two athletes from #KitchenerCentre were sent to Dubai to compete in the sports and fitness challenges.

chenercentre!

I just love that we have a nursery tucked away in #kitchenercentre with beautiful quality, affordable product. If you haven’t stopped by - do so! #shoplocal #supportlocal #businessspotlight #smallbusinesslove

ones, and fading confidence. Our young people are eager to contribute, to grow, to dream—but the opportunities just aren’t there. Right now, businesses want to focus on hiring, expanding, and contributing to our economy—but instead, many are being forced to scale back or put their plans on hold. Why? Because they’re waiting for leadership. They need a clear, reliable budget from our government. A budget is more than a financial document; it’s a statement of priorities. And right now, our businesses need to know that they’re a priority. They need a plan they can believe in All opposition parties came together and voted in favor of seeing a budget proposed this spring. We reached across the aisle, we did our part—but we’re being ignored. We’ve asked for a budget because without one, there is no plan. And without a plan, families, businesses, and communities are left in uncertainty. It’s time to step up and deliver the roadmap we need to move forward.

ch, including any reports of the Chief Science Advisor, and any other matter which the House refers to the standing committee. Innovation and technology is a vital part of the economy in Kitchener Centre and in the broader Waterloo Region, and science and research are of critical importance to all Canadians. I humbly and proudly accept this important role and look forward to playing my part to improve the health of Canadians, improve the environment, drive innovation and economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Canadians.

undation to support sending vulnerable kids at risk of child abuse and neglect in Waterloo Region to camp and local resilience-based programming. This year, registration was full with 50 stands. An amazing community initiative for such a wonderful cause. Thank you for having me! PS the lemonaid was delicious!! 😋

credible learning more about all of the local organizations that give this region its unique spirit. I am committed to representing everyone in the riding to the best of my ability. CAFKA doesn’t just bring art into public spaces — it brings curiosity and connection into the everyday lives of people across this community. CAFKA creates an open invitation to pause, to reflect, and to see your surroundings — something we could all do more of in this busy world we live in. And in a world that can often feel isolating or fragmented, organizations like CAFKA help stitch us back together. What makes this even more remarkable is that CAFKA achieves all of this with a small but mighty team: one permanent staff member, a working board, and a network of collaborators, artists, and community partners. Your hard work and dedication are something to be truly proud of. As an organization that receives federal funding, CAFKA utilizes programs like Canada Summer Jobs and Young Canada Works — these lifelines for young artists, arts administrators, and curators help to build careers. I’ve also heard the concern loud and clear: Waterloo Region remains underrepresented when it comes to federal arts funding. That’s something I will raise and advocate for, because the cultural life of our communities deserves equity — not just in spirit, but in funding. So, to the artists, organizers, funders, community partners, and everyone who helps bring CAFKA’s vision to life: thank you. Your work strengthens community bonds and connection that are a major reason why Kitchener Centre is so unique. I look forward to experiencing this year’s installations, and I encourage everyone — whether you’ve seen every CAFKA since 2001 or this is your very first — to truly enjoy the experience and share it widely. Thank you, and congratulations on the launch of CAFKA.25.

mall business daring to dream. We must invest in key industries—green technology, the arts and creative sectors, advanced manufacturing, MedTech, deep tech, AI, and more—we need to implement policies that empower our people, and drive investment, ensuring our economy is sustainable and future-proof. Today our community has an opportunity to forge a new path ahead. We are well positioned to do so. We must support the initiatives of the leaders of our industries on a federal level, to ensure a prosperous future for Kitchener Centre.

touring their beautiful new facility. I am keen to spend time in the community and to meet those I represent. If you have an upcoming event, let our office know through our website and if we can, we’ll get it on the calendar.

one-third of Canadian small businesses have adjusted or paused their summer hiring plans, according to a survey by Merchant Growth. Kitchener businesses need a plan. A budget is a plan. Why does the government refuse to heed our calls and table a budget that reverses its inflationary spending?

increasing expenses. Affordability isn’t just a word; it is the difference between stability and struggle, between hope and hardship. During the campaign, I had the opportunity to tour the Waterloo Region Food Bank. While I was deeply impressed by their efficiency and dedication, I found myself grappling with an unsettling reality—the sheer scale at which such an operation is needed in our community. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of new households accessing a food hamper program for the first time skyrocketed by 210%. In that same period, 29,786 hampers were distributed to families in need—an increase of 109%. These staggering numbers are a direct consequence of the rising cost of living, forcing more and more people to turn to essential support services just to put food on the table. This isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a human one. It is a call to action—one that demands urgent and meaningful solutions to ensure that no family in Kitchener Centre or beyond has to struggle for their basic needs. We must forge policies that ease this pressure, ensuring less taxation, affordable housing, and stability for our communities and across Canada.

of 79 teams. Today, SOCA runs leagues for women, children and seniors, creating a truly inclusive cricket community. In the Waterloo region, SOCA serves 8,000 members, who find friendship, purpose and pride. Through sport, they are growing leaders, role models and stronger communities. Parveen Sharma has dedicated over 31 years to growing this organization. Parveen was the backbone of local cricket programs long before cricket had the visibility it enjoys today. Mayor Berry has been a tremendous support over the years. His advocacy at the municipal level has played a key role in helping the league thrive in the Waterloo region. This is exactly the kind of community building I am very proud to support. I wish SOCA a very successful season.

ax cut. What real, lasting solutions will your government offer to help families struggling with this rising cost of living? Will it perhaps table a budget?

families and children and my promise to listening first, acting always. Thank you for your support and your belief in me. Link to the full speech in the first comment

ivilege; it is a necessity. A transparent, well-funded national budget must reflect this priority, outlining clear, actionable plans to eliminate food insecurity and support families across this country. Will the Liberal government table a budget this spring?

households with employed individuals still lack sufficient income to afford food. When will the Liberals be accountable and transparent to the residents of Kitchener Centre and Canada and actually table a budget? Will it be this spring?

ers needing food assistance. When will the Liberals table an actual budget and stop the inflationary spending that is causing this cost of living crisis?

upport for families and children; anchored by my promise of listening first and acting always.