August 2025 at a glance
26
posts & videos
0
House of Commons speeches
0
EDA events
67
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Affordability and cost of living Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Constituent help and casework
August was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre. She settled into a new constituency office, met with local leaders, and joined neighbours at festivals and cultural events. Here is a look at some of her work across the riding, drawn from 26 posts and videos shared this month.
A new office and an open door
Kelly's team relocated the constituency office, and regular hours resumed on Wednesday, August 6. As part of the move, the team donated gently used office furniture to Mission Thrift Store Kitchener so it could have a second life and help local families find affordable items.
Kelly then hosted an Open House from 4 to 7 p.m. so residents could see the new space, meet her team, share their thoughts and enjoy some snacks. She thanked everyone who came and announced that a new town hall series will be launched at the office. Details are still to come.
“I’m grateful to everyone who stopped by to connect — your voices and stories are what guide the work we do every day.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Jobs, innovation and students
Kelly met with Matthew Klassen and Sheldon McCormick at Communitech to talk about artificial intelligence, dual-use technologies, and how the federal government can better support local tech founders. She also spoke with Alex Oestreicher and Justin McLaughlin of Conestoga College's student association about work-integrated learning, student employment, international students and student affordability.
On her summer tour, Kelly visited Epic & Onside Camps, a Canada Summer Jobs recipient, and met Aria, who grew from camp counsellor to Regional Supervisor over seven years. She also connected with Ann Bilodeau of KW Habilitation, whose youth programs also use Canada Summer Jobs funding. Kelly looks forward to welcoming the Intentional Community Consortium, which works on affordable housing for people with diverse abilities, to Parliament Hill in October 2025.
On affordability, Kelly shared why the federal electric vehicle sales mandate matters locally. She pointed to limited charging infrastructure and to household budgets in Kitchener Centre, where she noted the average income is about $51,400 a year.
“Strengthening the relationship between Ottawa and Kitchener Centre is key to unlocking long-term economic growth—not just for the region, but for Canada as a whole.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Caring for neighbours in need
Kelly toured Thresholds Homes and Supports at 292 Sheldon Ave. and thanked Eric Philip, Rosalind Horne, Jasmine and Kyra for their work. Thresholds supports over 350 people in Kitchener with housing, crisis respite and individualized programs. She also visited the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth, where she met CEO Victoria Baby and Marketing Director Dennis Roberts and learned about their Better Together Capital Campaign.
On youth mental health, Kelly planned to join the Civic Clarity Foundation's public panel on August 29 at the Waterloo Regional Council Chambers to listen to youth voices. In a post on homelessness, she said she is working toward a full-circle approach. It includes support for detox, mental health services and long-term recovery, and faster housing supply with attention to addiction and community safety.
Celebrating culture and community
Kelly joined residents at the Kitchener Blues Festival and thanked the organizers, performers, vendors and volunteers. She also enjoyed the Far East Asian Night Market, thanking the Downtown BIA, volunteers and ambassadors, and attended SOCA's Annual Charity Sports Day at RBJ Schlegel Park, which raised funds for KidsAbility.
She marked Hmong Canada Day at the Breslau Community Centre with the Hmong community, thanking Lao Chai Vang of the Hmong Association of Canada. She also attended the IMPACT 25 launch at Kitchener City Hall. The theatre festival runs September 23 to 28 in downtown Kitchener.
“Bluesfest strengthens the sense of belonging that makes Kitchener such a special place to call home.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Follow along with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre, and watch for details on the new town hall series at the constituency office. To help the local team, volunteer or donate through the Kitchener Centre Conservative EDA.
