Your MP at Work
Kitchener Centre is known as Canada's Innovation Capital, and Kelly DeRidder is working to keep that talent and technology growing right here at home. She has toured local companies such as Ivis Inc., SmartTrace Software Development and SkyWatch Space Applications. She also visited Communitech, joined the Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor Summit, and took part in the Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo Tech Showcase. Kelly also hosted a Tech Townhall to talk about keeping innovation Canadian and protecting intellectual property.
Kelly has also spoken up for local jobs and trade. She held a CUSMA roundtable with local businesses and was joined by MPs Randy Hoback and Shuv Majumdar to hear how Canada-U.S. trade affects the community. She has said that Canadian companies should be part of the supply chain and that procurement should focus on Canadian innovation.
Her weekly business features shine a light on local favourites like 271 West Restaurant, Charcoal Steak House, The Guitar Corner, Metro Restaurant, Markatoo Fresh Produce, Mom's Bread & Pie Co. and Mac Repair Man. She also congratulated Rapid Precision Machining and Gearing on 50 years in business. She has supported career and skills programs such as NIROW's Uncover Your Spark workshop and the YouthForce 2026 graduation. Browse the posts, videos and speeches below.
173 posts, videos and speeches.
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 16, 2026
🍎 This week’s Small Business Feature is Markatoo Fresh Produce! 🥕 From fresh fruits and vegetables to quality local products, they’re helping keep our community stocked with affordable fresh food. Stop by 162 Victoria St S, Kitchener and support this great local business! 🛒
Facebook · July 15, 2026
It was great to stop by the Nihal Grewal Summer Open House at Fierce & Fit Boxing! Thank you to everyone who welcomed us and for all you do to build confidence, discipline, and community through sport. Wishing you continued success! Check them out at 41 River Rd E, Kitchener!
Facebook · July 9, 2026
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it’s always a pleasure to highlight the people behind them. This week we’re featuring Mac Repair Man, providing trusted tech support and repair services while helping keep our community connected. 💻🔧👏
Facebook · July 8, 2026
so raises immediate concerns about the future of Kitchener Rangers radio coverage and whether those broadcasts will find a new home. Rogers Communications continues to benefit from substantial federal support, including: - Millions in taxpayer-funded programs intended to protect jobs and sustain local journalism; - A telecom environment shaped by federal policy that limits competition and shields major players from new market entrants. Despite these advantages, and despite commitments to preserve local media, Rogers has chosen to close stations anyway. This underscores how the current federal government’s strategy for safeguarding local news and employment is simply not working. After approving the Rogers-Shaw merger, Former Industry Minister and now Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne promised to ‘watch Rogers like a hawk,’ insisting the merger would benefit consumers. Yet here in Kitchener, workers have lost their jobs and residents have lost a vital source of community news. Conservatives stand for protecting jobs, ensuring fair treatment for consumers and taxpayers, and strengthening local journalism. Canadians deserve more opportunities to have their stories told, not fewer. Local journalism is instrumental in a healthy democratic society. The current federal government must explain how its extensive support for Rogers is serving Canadians.
Facebook · July 7, 2026
Your voice matters. Are you and your business affected? Join us for a CUSMA Roundtable to discuss the future of trade with the U.S. and Mexico. Email for details.
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 · July 3, 2026
Small Business Feature: Mom’s Bread & Pie Co.🥧 Whether you’re craving a sweet pie or a savoury one, it all starts with the crust, and Mom’s Bread & Pie Co. does it right. Thank you to the team for serving Kitchener Centre with delicious baking and friendly service.
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.
Facebook · June 24, 2026
Congratulations to Rapid Precision Machining and Gearing on 50 years of excellence. Reaching this milestone is a testament to decades of hard work, innovation, and commitment to quality. Here’s to continued success in the years ahead!
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?
Facebook · June 10, 2026
Are you between 15 and 24 and looking to make a difference in your community? Applications for my Youth Council are now open! This is your chance to share ideas, build leadership skills, and help shape conversations on issues that matter to your generation.
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 16, 2026
An evening to honour the inspiring success of the 2026 inductees, Dean McIntyre, Ruth Casselman, George Tsintzouras and Kevin Wright. A celebration of the leaders who shaped our region through bold ideas, innovation and a commitment to giving back.
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.
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.