June 2026 at a glance
49
posts & videos
44
House of Commons speeches
2
EDA events
70
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Housing Safe communities Jobs, innovation and local business
June was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre. She spoke in the House of Commons and in committee, met with local groups and went to community events across the riding. Here is a look at her work, drawn from 49 posts and videos and 44 House of Commons speeches.
A path to recovery
Kelly's Private Member's Bill, Bill C-240, passed second reading in the House of Commons unanimously. The bill would bring rehabilitation into incarceration, so people serving time have a path to change their lives. In an interview, Kelly explained that a judge could prescribe supports such as skills training, education, mental health support and addiction treatment.
Kelly also spoke about the Kitchener encampment. Her office spoke with 22 residents there, and only one was not using. She says Canada needs more treatment and recovery services, and a focus on the full life that is possible on the other side of addiction. She also put a motion on notice at committee. It asks the federal government to check whether current approaches are working and to prioritize treatment, recovery, housing stability and long-term independence.
“I know what it feels like to believe there’s no way out, and my PMB, C-240 is about helping others find one.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
“Compassion means offering a path to housing, recovery, and a chance to rebuild their lives.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Housing and affordability
Kelly met with local realtor Faisal Susiwala to talk about housing and the challenges families face in Kitchener Centre. She also met with the Waterloo Food Bank about the growing demand it is seeing and the work being done to make sure people can get food when they need it most.
In Ottawa, Kelly raised the concerns of local seniors. She noted that the wait-list for people over 55 needing affordable homes in the region has increased by 700%. At committee, she also asked how Build Canada Homes can properly support people with disabilities who need barrier-free housing.
Canada's Innovation Capital
At committee, Kelly pressed for more local innovators to benefit from federal opportunities. She asked why so few Canadian companies developing dual-use technologies supply the Canadian government. She named Kitchener firms Alchemy and SkyWatch as examples. She also asked how to turn Canadian discoveries into Canadian companies and jobs, and how to keep intellectual property in Canada.
Residents are invited to a Tech Town Hall on July 9, from 6 to 8 pm, to share ideas and priorities for the future of Canada's tech sector. Panelists include Jim Hinton, Intellijoint and SDG Labs. RSVP through the link in Kelly's bio. Kelly also congratulated Rapid Precision Machining and Gearing on 50 years in business.
Around Kitchener Centre
Kelly spent much of the month celebrating the people and cultures that make the riding special. She joined the Kitchener Belong-A-Thon, the Kitchener-Waterloo Greek Food Festival, SEA Fest with the Filipino Women's Association, the Ankara Carnival, an Albanian BBQ and the Ode'imin Giizis Powwow. She also attended the Romanian School's year-end celebration.
She cheered on the Bravehearts Premier League season opener, where 16 teams and 240 players came together at Laurentian Park. She supported FACS Foundation's LemonAID Day, which helps local children attend camp. She also thanked NIROW for its Solidarity Vigil for Abducted Children and Teachers, and took part in the 5th Annual Snapshot of Hate in Waterloo Region.
Kelly also congratulated Harold and Norma Blake on 75 years of marriage.
Serving residents and looking ahead
Kelly welcomed students from Rockway Mennonite Collegiate to Parliament Hill and toured Sunnyside Public School, where grade 8 students asked great questions. Applications are open for her Youth Council for people aged 15 to 24. Her office can also request congratulatory certificates for graduates, and it helps residents with federal programs, including a recent CRA matter.
On June 30, Kelly was appointed Shadow Minister for Women and Gender Equality. She says she will bring the voices of Kitchener Centre to that role. With Parliament now on its summer break, she plans to spend more time at local events and hear from residents.
“While Parliament is taking a break, my work here at home continues.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Follow along with Kelly's work this summer, and join the Tech Town Hall on July 9. To get involved, volunteer or donate, contact the Kitchener Centre Conservative EDA team.
