Q3 2026 (July–September) at a glance
97
posts & videos
8
House of Commons speeches
3
EDA events
212
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Safe communities Affordability and cost of living
From July to September 2026, Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre, was out in the riding and speaking up for it in Ottawa. Her office featured 97 posts and videos this quarter, along with 8 House of Commons speeches and 3 EDA events. Here are some highlights of her work for neighbours, local businesses and community groups.
Housing, Trade and Justice
Kelly wrote to the Minister of Housing and the Minister's office in support of Kitchener's Fire Station 8 and affordable housing project. She says it would strengthen emergency services, create 281 affordable homes, and save taxpayers millions by building both together. She says she will keep advocating for it.
On trade, Kelly hosted a CUSMA roundtable with local businesses and stakeholders. MPs Randy Hoback and Shuv Majumdar joined to hear how Canada-U.S. trade affects local jobs and businesses. Kelly also shared a statement calling for a trade strategy that delivers results for workers, businesses and families.
Kelly also hosted a roundtable with MP Khanna. They heard from victims advocacy groups and support centres about their experiences with the justice system. She also sponsored a petition on local journalism.
“We need to support projects that strengthen our community, expand housing options and make better use of existing public infrastructure.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
“Their voices matter, and we need to keep listening, learning and working to build a system that puts victims first.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Listening and Helping Close to Home
Kelly and her team held a town hall on social media legislation at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre with MPs Connie Cody and Dr. Matt Strauss. Parents, teachers and families shared ideas on helping kids stay safe online. In September, the team also hosted an End of Summer Community BBQ at Bingemans Outdoor Pavilion, where families chatted with Kelly and enjoyed the bouncy castles.
Kelly's office helps people with federal government services. The constituency office is at 201-130 Weber Street W in Kitchener, and residents can call 519-746-8867.
Kelly also visited local groups that support neighbours. These included the Oasis Centre, Vision Loss Rehab, Safe Families Kitchener-Waterloo & Cambridge, and Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health and its Path to Education program.
“Helping people navigate government services and get the answers and support they need is one of the most important parts of this job.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Canada's Innovation Capital
Kelly spent time with local innovators, including SkyWatch Space Applications and SmartTrace Software Development. She also attended the Waterloo Region Innovation Corridor Summit, visited Communitech, and toured a local STEM camp where young people had hands-on learning.
In a video, Kelly said Kitchener companies are building dual-use technologies for civilian and defence uses, and she called for procurement focused on Canadian innovation. She also welcomed growing work with Angola to build international ties for Kitchener Centre.
Kelly also supported people building their futures. She attended the NigeriansIntheRegionofWaterloo Tech Showcase, celebrated the YouthForce 2026 graduates, and joined NIROW's Uncover Your Spark Career Workshop.
Shining a Light on Local Business
Each week, Kelly highlighted a Kitchener Centre business. Features included Metro Restaurant, Markatoo Fresh Produce, Mom's Bread & Pie Co., The Guitar Corner and Mac Repair Man. She also visited 271 West Restaurant and met its owner, Zee.
Kelly congratulated Charcoal Steak House on 70 years in business. She also pointed shoppers to Retail Therapy on King Street East, where every purchase helps support survivors of domestic violence.
Celebrating Our Neighbours
Kelly joined many cultural celebrations this quarter. These included the Multicultural Festival, Philippine Extravaganza, AfroVibes, the Arab Festival, Pakistan Canada Day, Sikh Community Day, Filipino Canadian Community Day and the Far East Asian Night Market, thanks to the Kitchener BIA.
She also cheered on local sport and community groups, from the Kitchener-Waterloo Kids Badminton Tournament and the Canadian Muay Thai Open to Paddle Palooza and Orange Jersey Day with the Kitchener Panthers. She congratulated CYAC on 10 years of service, met Indigenous Elder Myeengun at Sheppard Public School, and celebrated the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony season launch.
Kelly also welcomed $2 million in provincial funding for SHE Builds. The program will help women and gender-diverse survivors of gender-based violence explore work in the skilled trades. She credited advocates including Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, SASC Waterloo Region, YWCA Cambridge and Jess Dixon.
Want to keep up with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre? Follow along with the local team, come out to an event, and get involved by volunteering or donating.
