Your MP at Work
Kitchener Centre is known as Canada's Innovation Capital, and Kelly DeRidder is working to keep it that way. Kelly has a background in engineering and tech, and she brings that experience to Ottawa. She has spoken in the House of Commons about keeping the ideas and patents created in Canada working for Canadians, so that new technology can be built, owned and sold here at home.
Kelly also spends time in the riding with the people behind the technology. Recent visits include SmartTrace Software Development, SkyWatch Space Applications, Kromet International and the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. She has also met with Wilfrid Laurier University president Deborah MacLatchy, joined the Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor Summit, and attended Women x Tech, hosted by Communitech. She has congratulated Dr. Amir Khajepour and Dr. Boxin Zhao of the University of Waterloo on being named Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
On this page you will find Kelly's posts, videos and House of Commons speeches on innovation, newest first. They cover artificial intelligence, patents, and making sure Canadian companies like Miovision are part of big projects and supply chains. You can also read about her Tech Town Hall on July 9, with panelists including Jim Hinton, Intellijoint and SDG Labs.
85 posts, videos and speeches.
Facebook · July 27, 2026
our community.
Facebook · July 23, 2026
you for everything you do to help put Kitchener Centre on the map!
Facebook · July 20, 2026
I’ve been ensuring that Canadian companies are part of the supply chain when it comes to international procurement, I will be watching and paying close attention to if our Canadian companies will be part of the new contracts, supply chain eco system.
Facebook · July 18, 2026
AI can be a powerful tool to help improve our communities. Using technology to identify and analyze potholes could help cities make smarter decisions, respond faster, and keep our infrastructure in better shape. Innovation should be part of building the communities of tomorrow.
Facebook · July 5, 2026
Building Canada's future starts with innovation. Great conversations at the Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor Summit on growing our economy, supporting local talent, and making sure Canadian businesses have what they need to compete, create, and lead. 🇨🇦
Facebook · June 29, 2026
Kitchener Centre is Canada's Innovation Capital. Join me for a Tech Town Hall to share your ideas, challenges, and priorities for the future of Canada's tech sector. July 9, 6-8pm. RSVP at the link in bio.
House of Commons · June 11, 2026
430 Canadian companies developing dual-use technologies, yet few are supplying the Canadian government. Why is there such a significant gap between what Canadian firms are capable of providing and what government is actually procuring?
House of Commons · June 11, 2026
ial capacity and defence readiness?
House of Commons · June 8, 2026
of the pharmaceutical world. For example, penicillin and Ozempic were both Canadian inventions, but we didn't retain the IP and didn't see the economic impact. I appreciate my colleagues' questions, as well, about Canadians being unsure of AI and what the future holds. IP retention, in the future, is a very critical component to ensure that we see the economic impact of AI and digital innovation moving forward. Do you see a strong strategy and plan, right now, from the scientific standpoint, to ensure that our universities and researchers are educating our entrepreneurs and developers on the importance of IP retention for Canadian economic impact?
House of Commons · June 8, 2026
and I see that we lag in commercialization. From a scientific and innovation standpoint, what barriers continue to prevent Canadian discoveries from becoming Canadian companies and Canadian jobs?
House of Commons · June 8, 2026
ategy that the minister just came out with. Kitchener Centre has been long recognized as Canada's innovation capital with our research, our start-ups and our innovators. From your perspective, how can our government do better to ensure that regions like this are better included in development and commercialization in Canada?
Facebook · June 3, 2026
Join us on July 9 for our Tech Townhall! Our panelists include Jim Hinton, Intellijoint, SDG Labs and more! RSVP through the link in bio!
Facebook · May 19, 2026
Congratulations to University of Waterloo engineering professors Dr. Amir Khajepour and Dr. Boxin Zhao on being elected Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, one of the profession’s highest honours. A proud achievement for Waterloo Region!
Facebook · May 19, 2026
Great touring Kromet International and seeing firsthand the manufacturing expertise in the Waterloo Region. Our region is perfectly positioned for dual-use applications, and initiatives like this will keep driving jobs and innovation.
Facebook · May 15, 2026
The University of Waterloo Trust in Research Undertaken in Science and Technology (TruST) Network and Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) hosted an afternoon symposium where Canadian experts who are working at the intersection of Health and AI gathered.
Facebook · May 14, 2026
Kitchener Centre is one of Canada’s leading tech hubs, yet the government continues pushing AI policy, not listening to the leaders building it. That’s how you create a brain drain and push innovation, investment and talent out of Canada, and directly to the United States.
Facebook · May 5, 2026
Last week, it was great to have Canadian tech leader Jim Balsillie in Ottawa to appear as a witness at Industry Committee. With strong roots in the Waterloo region, his perspective on innovation and protecting Canada’s economy is always valuable.
House of Commons · April 30, 2026
he technological era and that our economy could really be stimulated through it. I agree completely. Innovation hubs like Canada's innovation capital, Kitchener Centre, are huge contributors to that. We also have these amazing minds coming out of our universities, who are turning into entrepreneurs and building our innovation. Where is the government missing the mark here?
Facebook · April 30, 2026
Love this from Kitchener. A great example of using AI as a tool to improve services, save time and deliver better outcomes for residents while still keeping access open for everyone. This is how it should be done.
Facebook · April 23, 2026
We applaud the use of AI across industries. Cities like Kitchener show that being modern and competitive with our neighbours can go hand in hand with a responsible, people‑first approach to innovation.
Facebook · April 23, 2026
An inspiring evening at the Spark Gala in Kitchener, focused on igniting civic action in an AI‑driven digital world. Innovation matters most when it strengthens democracy, trust, and community.
House of Commons · March 23, 2026
mpetitive globally?
House of Commons · March 23, 2026
seeing specialty AI help support people with brain injuries, diagnose disease, assist in civic planning and streamline processes to drive real innovation, productivity and economic opportunity. Can you please explain the difference between specialty AI in sectors like science and research, health care and industry, for example, and superintelligent AI, which the developers themselves admit they have no control over?
Facebook · March 19, 2026
ole in advancing research and thoughtful governance around AI, including its work with the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) on digital governance initiatives. With collaboration across the Waterloo Region AI Coalition, our region is uniquely positioned to lead in responsible AI innovation. From research and business adoption to education and governance, the work happening here in Waterloo Region shows the incredible potential we have to shape the future of AI right here at home. #kitchenercentre #AI #Innovation
Kelly's work in Ottawa is backed by volunteers and supporters here at home. A monthly donation of any size keeps the local team going, and political contributions earn a generous federal tax credit.