Kelly DeRidder on Canada's Innovation Capital

multiple small businesses and incubator programs into one collaborative ecosystem — supporting social and environmental innovators and equity-deserving entrepreneurs. It’s an incredible space built on the belief that collaboration drives innovation. As their website explains, a factory isn’t just a place that produces goods — it’s a place where people come together to build better solutions, faster. The SDG Idea Factory is inspired by the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals — a global call to action to promote peace, prosperity, and sustainability for all. Check them out ---> https://www.sdgideafactory.ca #Kitchenercentre #SDGIdeaFactory #Innovation #Sustainability #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #SocialImpact #futureready

entrepreneurship, not penalize it. Building up innovators is how we build up communities. Thank you to my colleague Sandra Cobena for this important question in committee.

that you think we should focus on being more industry-focused and monetization-focused for tech sectors like Kitchener?

etization, number one, and number two, not staying within Canada when it does. To that end, $62 billion of net investment left Canada in the past five months. Mr. Doyle, my questions will be for you today. One of your SMART centres is located right in my community. Thank you for coming with your expertise today. First, how does the current spending support real technology adoption through monetization, which is vital in tech hubs like Kitchener?

ow do we not rely on publishing to fund and start to rely more on innovating to fund?

icy. From AI and deep tech to advanced manufacturing, the conversation reinforced why our region truly is Canada’s capital of innovation. For Kitchener Centre, tech isn’t just important — it’s vital. It drives local opportunity, attracts talent, and supports families right here at home. The visit even brought back memories of my own time in robotics during secondary school — building machines for final projects and learning hands-on. 🤖✨ I’m excited about the collaboration and policy development that will keep Kitchener Centre and our region a global leader in tech and innovation. #Innovation #KitchenerCentre #UWaterloo #FutureOfTech #AI #advancedmanufacturing @conniecodymp @mattstraussksh

e discussions around artificial intelligence, dual-use technologies, and how the federal government can better support the local tech ecosystem and the founders driving innovation here. Special thank you to The Honourable Cheryl Gallant for making the trip down to Kitchener Centre to support this initiative. As well, thank you Barbara Shackleton for your support and insight. Grateful for the chance to listen, learn, and collaborate. Looking forward to building on this momentum 🇨🇦 @cherylgallantmp @shackleton.barbara @communitech

ing entrepreneurs turn big ideas into thriving businesses — right here in Waterloo Region. Had great conversations with CEO Ruth Casselman and COO Tabatha Laverty about the Centre’s full-service model and its real impact on our community. 🔑 Key local priorities: ✅ Retaining top talent in the region ✅ Engaging more university co-op students to keep innovation flowing Proud to support organizations that keep Kitchener Centre at the heart of Canada’s innovation economy. 💡 #KitchenerCentre #Startups #Innovation #TalentRetention #AcceleratorCentre #WaterlooTech #FutureOfWork #Entrepreneurship

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.

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.

at University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College — thank you for your passion, perseverance, and contribution to our region and our future. You make us proud! Let’s continue to support accessible, world-class education for all. #NationalHigherEducationDay #KitchenerCentral #UWaterloo #WilfridLaurierUniversity #ConestogaCollege #FutureReady

tform on investment focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulations and boosting economic growth. That is another one for the Liberals to copy. Please, I welcome it.