October 2026 at a glance
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posts & videos
10
House of Commons speeches
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EDA events
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Focused on:Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Safe communities Constituent help and casework
Kelly DeRidder, MP pushed for safer streets and local jobs in Kitchener Centre. She spoke in the House of Commons on issues that matter to local families and visited businesses, charities and cultural groups across the riding. Her office also kept helping residents with federal issues.
In the House of Commons
On October 22, Kelly presented a petition from Kitchener Centre residents about the Rogers radio closures. Petitioners want to know how Rogers will answer for earlier assurances that local radio would not be affected. Kelly pointed to the risk to local jobs, local news and the voices of the community.
Kelly also spoke about food security. She noted that one in nine families in Waterloo Region relies on food banks, and she thanked Jim Balsillie for his $4.5 million gift to the local food bank. She said the need that remains shows why affordability matters.
On addictions, Kelly raised the fact that Waterloo Region had 70 overdoses in four days. She called for a focus on recovery, rehabilitation and treatment.
“Kitchener residents deserve answers, and this petition is an important step towards holding Rogers accountable.”
From Kelly’s House of Commons speech
Safe communities and a place to call home
Kelly spoke about keeping downtown Kitchener safe while supporting people who are struggling with addiction. She shared that Waterloo Region had 1,553 overdose-related calls to paramedics in 2024, with about 920 in Kitchener. She called for more access to detox, treatment beds, recovery programs, mental health supports and transitional housing.
Kelly also highlighted Reception House Waterloo Region and its Home Begins Here project, which plans 34 transitional housing units for vulnerable families. She joined the United Way Waterloo Region walk for the March of 1,000 Umbrellas and the Centre for Mutual Wellbeing's Radiant Ladies Night, which supports housing and work against gender-based violence.
She also spoke with Latasha Wilson about incarceration and rehabilitation. On the one-year mark of Eli Wood's disappearance, Kelly shared her thoughts for his family and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“We need real solutions to the drug crisis that connect people with treatment, support recovery, and make our streets safer for everyone.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Jobs, innovation and local business
During Oktoberfest season, Kelly helped host German Ambassador Matthias Lüttenberg and Dr. Matt Strauss on tours of WEICON, Bergman North America, Finest Sausage and Meat, and Sproll's Fine German Bakery. The visits showed everything from clean technology to family bakeries and sausage makers.
Kelly said Kitchener is Canada's Innovation Capital and that she will keep pushing for policies that let companies build and grow here at home. She called for Canadian data to stay under Canadian control and shared that applications are open for funding to help businesses adopt AI. She also welcomed Senator Jim Quinn to caucus to talk about how data and innovation can drive economic growth.
Kelly also asked local businesses, workers and employers affected by tariffs to contact her office so she can look for ways to help.
Celebrating local people and traditions
Kelly joined many cultural celebrations, including the South Asian Cultural Festival, the Armenian community's heritage celebration, Navratri, German Pioneers Day at the Concordia Club and the Oktoberfest parade. She also thanked the volunteers, businesses and organizers behind events like TechToberfest, Chamberfest and Damenfest. At Indefest, she received a Community Leadership Award from the Nigerians in the Region of Waterloo.
Her Women's Spotlight honoured Cathy Baer, the first female conductor of the Kitchener Musical Society Band, and Sara Casselman, Director of the SASC in Waterloo Region, who won the 2026 Legacy of Equity Award. Kelly also attended the Karis Disability Services AGM, the Any Which Way You Can A-Thon for the Waterloo Wellington Down Syndrome Society, and a visit with the Sankofa Families Project.
Arts and community groups were on her calendar too. She joined the Registry Theatre season launch, a Culture Days panel at MT Space and the 25th birthday of Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area. Her office also attended the Battle of Britain Memorial with the 404 K-W Wing, the AR Goudie People Care Walk for Wellness and the Southern Ontario Cricket Association banquet. Kelly congratulated Marvelous Minds Early Learning Centre on its grand opening.
Helping neighbours and staying in touch
Kelly's office helped a Kitchener Centre resident recover $8,544.82 in a federal matter. The office is ready to help others who are not sure where to turn. The next Seniors Clinic is on November 10 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Victoria Park Pavilion, 80 Schneider Ave., Kitchener.
Kelly thanked residents who write to her office and said their letters help her bring local concerns to Ottawa. She also invited photo submissions for the 2027 Kitchener Centre calendar. Residents can send them to [email protected].
She encouraged everyone to learn about their local candidates and vote in Ontario's municipal election. Kelly also shared a Food4Kids drive for pancake mix and table syrup at 330 Trillium Drive, Unit B, Kitchener.
“If you’re dealing with a federal issue and aren’t sure where to turn, my office is here to help.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Follow along with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre and share what matters to you. To volunteer or donate, get in touch with your local Conservative team.
