Kelly DeRidder on Affordability and cost of living

unity outreach, and equity-focused mutual aid. Each year, they prepare over 40,000 nutritious meals and provide critical support to hundreds of families and individuals, especially when needs are highest during the Christmas season. Non-profits like 519 CC step up for the community, ensuring dignity, compassion, and care reach those who need it most. Their work reminds us what community truly looks like. If you’re able to give this season, please consider supporting their efforts: - List of non-monetary donations: https://519communitycollective.com/contact/donations/ - E-transfer: [email protected] Together, we can make a meaningful difference this Christmas.

anadian innovation. Grateful for your confidence and trust. Together, we’ll keep building a stronger, safer Kitchener Centre. #kitchener #kitchenercentre #parliament

proud to have brought Kitchener’s voice to the table.

al investment, are driving economic opportunity out of our region. That’s not just a missed chance at growth, it’s a risk to our future. #kitchener #innovation #community

#groceries

e that when he feeds them, he waits until they are finished, and if there is none left he will just have to wait until tomorrow. This is not okay, yet the budget offers nothing to ease their burden. Instead it piles on unprecedented debt that will drive inflation higher and push grocery prices further out of reach for Canadians. Canadians do not need empty promises; they need affordability, dignity and hope. We cannot accept a budget that ignores the reality that Canadians and our children are going hungry. They deserve better.

small business community needs real support to thrive. I’m committed to being a strong voice for them in Parliament and working toward policies that empower innovation, reduce red tape, and ensure fair competition. Thank you to the CFIB for your continued advocacy and for bringing the voices of small business owners to the Hill. #cdnpoli #business #jobs #kitchener

is an issue that’s always been close to my heart, long before I became the MP for Kitchener Centre, and I'm very excited to be working further with them in my role. I’m grateful for the ongoing work they do to make home ownership a reality for more families, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate on building a more affordable future for everyone.

and technology that benefit Kitchener Centre and across Canada — always putting Canadians first.

t.

when the path forward is clear?

to cut the federal deficit by reducing spending on bureaucracy, and consultants.

ion. Conservatives will keep fighting to put families and Canadians first.

ategic conversations about how we align our efforts to deliver real results for Kitchener Centre. From housing and transit to small business support and community safety, we’re focused on practical solutions that make a difference. The work ahead is serious, and I’m ready to get to it. Let’s build a future that’s secure, affordable, and full of opportunity, together. Thank you to all, that took the time to meet. Aislinn Clancey - MPP Kitchener Centre Margaret Johnston - Councillor ward 8 Stephanie Stretch - Councillor ward 10 Debbie Chapman - Councillor ward 9 Colleen James - Regional councillor Berry Vrbanovic - Mayor of Kitchener Mike Harris - MPP Kitchener Conestoga Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo Matthew Rodrigues - Regional councillor Karen Redman - Chair, Regional Municipality of Waterloo Jason Deneault - Councillor ward 3 Dorothy McCabe - Mayor of Waterloo Dave Schnider - Councillor ward 2 Sue Foxton - Mayor North Dumfries

ability 🇨🇦 A self-reliant Canada 🚓 Safe streets 🏡 Reviving the Canadian Dream — where hard work means a good home in a safe neighbourhood, right here in the greatest country on Earth. Thank you to everyone who welcomed us and shared your stories. Your voices matter — and they’re shaping the future we’re building together. #BetterTogether #CanadianDream #PierrePoilievre #teamworkmakesthedreamwork

dents & Immigration, and Student Affordability. I enjoyed learning more about the important work CSI is doing and look forward to finding ways we can align on shared priorities to support students here in Kitchener Centre. You can learn more about it here: www.conestogastudents.com/representation/advocacy #KitchenerCentre #ConestogaCollege #StudentSuccess #Community

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition.

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/

sive targets risk harming local economies, disrupting jobs, and burdening consumers. 1️⃣ What’s the problem? The federal EV sales mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada to be zero-emission by 2035, with 20% sales targets starting as soon as next year. While the goal of reducing emissions is important, the rapid rollout is creating challenges—supply chain shortages, high vehicle prices, and a lack of charging infrastructure—especially in communities not yet fully prepared. 2️⃣ How does this impact Kitchener Centre? > Charging infrastructure in our neighbourhoods still lags far behind the demand this mandate will create, leaving many residents without reliable options. > Many residents are already juggling tight budgets — the average income in Kitchener Centre is about $51,400 a year, and renters spend 44% to 49% of their income just to keep a roof over their heads. > Additional costs from EV mandates—like higher vehicle prices or limited choices—aren’t just inconvenient; they hit people where it really hurts by making trade-offs between transportation, rent, and putting food on the table. 3️⃣ How Conservatives will fix it A Conservative Government will: > Support EV adoption through choice, not force, ensuring Canadians can buy the vehicles that fit their needs and budgets. > Invest in charging infrastructure first, especially in communities like ours, so the shift to EVs is practical and accessible. > Work with industry, not against it, to set realistic timelines that protect jobs, keep costs down, and maintain consumer choice while still moving toward environmental goals. This approach ensures Kitchener Centre residents aren’t left behind—and that our economy, environment, and families all benefit from a balanced, affordable transition. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-mayors-urge-ottawa-to-drop-ev-sales-mandate/

sion is clear: to make summer camp affordable, inclusive, and rooted in community. They partner with local churches to create programs that are accessible and welcoming for all families — and it shows. One of my favourite moments? Meeting Aria. 💙 Aria’s story is what this program is all about. She started with Epic after Grade 10 as a camp counsellor. Since then, she’s grown into leadership roles — Assistant Director, Director, and now Regional Supervisor. That’s 7 years of summer growth, mentorship, and real-world experience. Epic doesn’t just build fun camps — they build leaders. And Aria is proof. I got to see the campers in action too — laughing, running, and playing a game of colour tag using chalk paint on their hands. It looked like so much fun, and it was clear these kids were having a summer to remember. Please check them out: https://epicandonside.ca/ Thank you to the entire Epic & Onside team for the work you do across Canada — and especially here at home. 💫 #CanadaSummerJobs #EpicCamps #OnsideCamps #KitchenerCentre #LeadershipInAction #YouthEmpowerment #AffordableCamps #CommunityMatters #AriaTheLeader #SummerJobsSuccess #BuildingTheNextGeneration

ooking to get even more involved locally. With two locations in Kitchener — one for goods and clothing, and another for furniture — they turn donations into affordable finds for families, while supporting global outreach through their work with Bible League Canada. We’re proud to support their mission and give our furniture a second life that helps others. A fresh start for us, and a meaningful contribution to the community — a true win-win! 💙 Check them out: missionthriftstorekitchener.com #MissionThriftKitchener #CommunityDriven #KitchenerCentre #ThriftForGood #SupportLocal #FurnitureDonation

e Roundtable began as a grassroots initiative, bringing together community voices to address food insecurity, environmental sustainability, and local food policy. Over the years, it’s grown into a respected platform for collaboration and advocacy across the region. It was wonderful to connect with: 🌱 Josalyn Radcliffe – Roundtable Director 🌍 Steffanie Scott – Founding member 🥕 Andrew Spring – Director, Laurier Centre for Sustainable Food 🌾 Doug Jones – Director Their commitment to food justice and community resilience is inspiring. Proud to support their work and help amplify the conversation around sustainable food systems! 🍽️💚 #SustainableFoodSystems #LocalFoodMatters #CommunityFoodSecurity #kitchenercentre

kly themes like Minecraft Makers, LEGO Adventurers, and Robot Programming — no experience needed! 🕘 9am–4pm | Before & after care available 💰 Affordable rates for 3, 4, or 5-day weeks 🔗 Register: stemcamp.ca/stem-camp-kitchener Let’s keep building bright futures through STEM! 💡👩‍🔬👨‍💻