March 2026 at a glance
60
posts & videos
12
House of Commons speeches
2
EDA events
80
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Safe communities Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Drug crisis Jobs, innovation and local business
Kelly DeRidder MP for Kitchener Centre was focused on safer communities in March. She hosted a first-of-its-kind event for seniors, visited local employers and community groups, and carried the riding's concerns to Ottawa. Across 60 posts and videos and 12 House of Commons speeches, her focus stayed on safe streets, good jobs and support for neighbours.
Around Kitchener Centre
The month's highlight was the first-ever Seniors Clinic at the Rockway Centre on March 13. The free event brought resources, information and professional services together in one place. Kelly and her team heard many stories from seniors who came out.
Kelly also joined many community celebrations. She attended the Holi celebration at the new Radha Krishna Mandir & Cultural Centre, a Kitchener Telugu community gathering, Eid Mubarak events, an Iftar dinner hosted by the Rohingya Centre, and the Concordia Ball. She spoke at the 11th annual IRL Festival and marked World Down Syndrome Day with the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society.
She also toured the Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery, cheered on young cricketers, and supported a fundraiser for the 31 Combat Engineer Regiment (The Elgins). She invited young people to a Youth Roundtable at the Kitchener Public Library on March 20 to share their ideas for the community's future.
“Most of all, it was a pleasure meeting so many members of our community and hearing your stories.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Safe communities and a path to recovery
Kelly kept up her work on the drug crisis and public safety. She spoke with the Waterloo Regional Police Service, who told her they responded to more than 11,000 incidents in downtown Kitchener in 2024. She spoke about keeping repeat violent offenders off the streets and ensuring serious consequences for those who traffic deadly drugs.
Her Private Member's Bill, C-240, would bring rehabilitation into the justice system. A judge could prescribe a rehabilitation plan, such as drug treatment, mental health supports or education. The inmate would choose whether to take it, and the federal government would provide the supports. Kelly explained the bill in local media interviews and says it is meant to pair accountability with a path to recovery.
She also visited places that help people rebuild their lives. She toured the new HART Hub by Community Healthcaring Kitchener-Waterloo and thanked House of Friendship for its recovery programs. She also learned about the work of Child Witness Centre, including Monet, the Region's first accredited facility dog.
“The solution is not stigma. The solution is compassion and treatment.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Jobs, innovation and local business
Kelly visited Barbarian Sports Wear Inc., a Kitchener manufacturer that has made Canadian apparel for 47 years and employs 65 people. She also toured the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and met Wilfrid Laurier University President Deborah MacLatchy to discuss artificial intelligence. She spoke with members of the building trades at their Annual General Meeting in Waterloo Region, and joined Communitech's Women x Tech event for International Women's Day.
In the House of Commons, Kelly asked questions about AI and cybersecurity, pointing to the advanced manufacturing and tech work in Kitchener Centre. She also raised the worries of local residents about jobs in the auto parts sector. She spoke up for Kitchener companies like Miovision and called for Canadian ideas and technology to stay in Canada.
Helping neighbours and speaking up in Ottawa
Kelly's constituency office helped Tahire, who is battling cancer, reunite with her family on March 2 after years of trying. Kelly invites anyone with a problem involving IRCC or another federal department to reach out to her office. Her team also reminded residents to check who they trust with immigration paperwork.
Kelly met with Extend-A-Family Waterloo Region about supporting people with developmental disabilities, including programs like Canada Summer Jobs and the Canada Disability Benefit. She also thanked the advocates and families who joined her disability roundtable. She met with MPP Aislinn Clancy about regional water initiatives, and tabled a petition in the House of Commons from Kitchener Centre residents about Falun Gong practitioners.
“If you’re facing challenges with IRCC or any federal department, don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re here to help!”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Follow along with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre, and let the local team know what matters to you. Volunteer or donate to help the team keep showing up in our community.
