August 2026 at a glance
31
posts & videos
0
House of Commons speeches
0
EDA events
58
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Safe communities Housing Health care access
August was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre. She visited local businesses, met with tech and trade leaders, and joined festivals and fundraisers across the riding. Here is a look at some of the 31 posts and videos she shared.
Local business and innovation
Kelly spent time with the people who keep Kitchener Centre's economy strong. She congratulated Charcoal Steak House on 70 years in business and highlighted The Guitar Corner, a Kitchener landmark and family business. She also stopped by Holly's Neighbourhood Café & Bar and met Zee, the owner of 271 West Restaurant.
On the tech side, Kelly toured Ivis Inc., visited Communitech, and attended the NigeriansIntheRegionofWaterloo Tech Showcase. She also hosted a Tech Townhall on keeping innovation Canadian, protecting intellectual property and building globally competitive companies headquartered here in Canada. At a local STEM camp, she saw young people learning science, technology, engineering and math hands-on.
Kelly also held a CUSMA roundtable with local businesses and stakeholders. MPs Randy Hoback and Shuv Majumdar joined to hear from the community about the future of Canada-U.S. trade and how to protect Canadian jobs and businesses.
“Kitchener Centre is home to incredible talent, and investing in the next generation of innovators starts right here in our community.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Women leading in science and health
As Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Kelly spotlighted Dr. Donna Strickland, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist from the University of Waterloo. Kelly noted that Dr. Strickland is the third woman in history to win the Nobel Prize in Physics.
Kelly also celebrated Select Laboratories, a woman-led startup working in a University of Waterloo lab on a new way to screen for cervical cancer and other diseases. She called it exciting to see women leading the way in technology and developing solutions that could make a real difference for women's health.
Housing, recovery and safe communities
Kelly shared her views on homelessness and addiction. She said recovery and treatment services are a big part of the answer, and that investing early in prevention and supports can keep young people from becoming homeless. She also called for more barrier-free homes, so people with disabilities can live safely, independently and with dignity.
On community safety, Kelly called for tougher penalties for those who profit from drug trafficking and a justice system that puts victims, families and communities first. She also welcomed Pierre Poilievre to Kitchener to talk about addressing the root causes of addiction and homelessness and getting people the help they need.
“Real compassion means helping people recover, not just helping them survive.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Around Kitchener Centre
Kelly joined many community celebrations, including Pakistan Canada Day, AfroVibes, Afrofest and the Kitchener Blues Festival. She also attended the kickoff of the SOCA Junior Program and congratulated Jeff Kyrzakos on being named Head Coach of the Kitchener Rangers.
She also encouraged neighbours to give back. Retail Therapy on King St E supports survivors of domestic violence in our community. Safe Families Kitchener-Waterloo & Cambridge is running PlayDay, a summer fundraiser for local families in crisis. Residents can also join the Hospice of Waterloo Region walk.
“Investing in young people through sport helps build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong skills.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Coming up: join in
Kelly invites neighbours to her End of Summer Community BBQ on September 12 from 12–4 PM at Bingemans Outdoor Pavilion. RSVP to [email protected].
She is also looking for your best photos of Kitchener Centre for a chance to be featured in the 2027 calendar. Email them to [email protected].
Follow along with Kelly's work in Kitchener Centre, and come out to the September 12 BBQ to meet neighbours and the local team. To volunteer or donate, get in touch with the Kitchener Centre Conservative EDA.
