April 2026 at a glance
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posts & videos
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House of Commons speeches
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EDA events
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Focused on:Community events and local organizations Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Jobs, innovation and local business Safe communities Drug crisis
April was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre. She marked one year since her election, met local leaders, and spoke up for the riding in the House of Commons. Here is a look at her work for Kitchener Centre.
Around Kitchener Centre
Kelly was out in the community all month. She joined the Waterloo Regional Labour Council for the Day of Mourning, attended the 31st Chef’s Dinner supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters, and enjoyed the colour and music of Indian Vibes. Her office also attended the Soroptimist Charter Ceremony and congratulated the founding members.
She supported the Waterloo Region 2026 Ontario Summer Games at the 100 days out celebration, and helped celebrate Fitz “The Whip” Vanderpool, who brought a championship home to Waterloo Region 30 years ago. She also talked with students at Eastwood Collegiate and took in the political science showcase at the University of Waterloo.
Kelly also thanked volunteers during National Volunteer Week. For Rangers fans, she set up friendly jersey wagers with fellow MPs. Terry Sheehan kept his word and wore a Kitchener Rangers jersey in the House.
Helping Neighbours, One Year In
On April 28, Kelly marked one year as MP. She said she has taken part in more than 450 community events and meetings. Her office has closed over 1,200 cases and helped return just under $100,000 to constituents through the CRA. It also reduced the amounts owing to Service Canada by $19,000.
Her office also offered practical help close to home. It promoted a free income tax clinic at the Kitchener Library on April 11, ahead of the April 30 filing deadline, and a free community shredding event on April 25 with donations welcome for Food4Kids Waterloo. Kelly also met Jennifer Scott of House of Friendship about community supports, housing and food security, and spent time canvassing and listening to neighbours.
If you are stuck on a federal issue, her office is ready to help.
“If you’re dealing with a federal issue and not getting answers, reach out to our office, we’re here to help and will do everything we can to get it resolved.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
In the House of Commons
Kelly spoke about costs, jobs and opportunity. She raised rising gas prices for Kitchener Centre families, seniors and workers, and called for a gas tax cut that would save 25¢ per litre.
She also spoke about the Canada student grant. Kelly argued that students at schools such as triOS College should not miss out on support based on where they study. At a committee, she asked about local auto-sector jobs, as community members had contacted her office with concerns. At another committee, she highlighted Kitchener Centre as an innovation hub and asked how Canada can better support entrepreneurs coming out of its universities.
Kelly also chairs the AI Caucus and sits on the Science and Research Committee. She praised Kitchener’s people-first approach to using AI to improve services.
“Education should open doors, not close them. That’s how we restore the Canadian dream.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Bill C-240: Safer Communities Through Recovery
Kelly’s Private Member’s Bill, C-240, the Offender Rehabilitation Act, was scheduled for second reading on April 30. It would let courts prescribe structured rehabilitation, including education, skills training and treatment programs. It would also make rehabilitation a factor in parole decisions and treat large-scale fentanyl trafficking as an aggravating factor.
To shape the bill, Kelly met Key Metrix Rehabilitation about rehabilitation and workforce recovery. She also invited residents to send in their questions about the bill and thought of a WRPS officer hurt in the drug crisis.
“My Private Member’s Bill, C-240 is about breaking the cycle of repeat crime and giving real paths to recovery.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Follow along with the Kitchener Centre team to see what Kelly is working on in the riding and in Ottawa. Reach out to volunteer or donate and help us keep showing up for Kitchener Centre.
