September 2025 at a glance
25
posts & videos
14
House of Commons speeches
0
EDA events
48
photos
Focused on:Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Community events and local organizations Jobs, innovation and local business Safe communities Constituent help and casework
After a busy summer at home, Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre, headed back to Parliament in September. She brought ideas from neighbours, local leaders and youth with her. This month's update covers her work in the House of Commons and around the riding.
Listening first, then back to Ottawa
Kelly says she spent 10 weeks at home this summer connecting with 149 community events, organizations and local businesses. She also met 56 residents in her office. As Parliament returned, she said their stories and concerns will guide her work in Ottawa.
This summer Kelly also met with leaders from all levels of government about growing the local economy, keeping streets safe and making life more affordable. They included Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe, Regional Chair Karen Redman and MPP Aislinn Clancey.
On September 11, Kelly hosted a Community Town Hall at 201–130 Weber Street West on the topic "Your Voice, Your Concerns for Ottawa." Earlier in the month, her Youth Mental Health Panel gave young people a chance to share what they need most. Kelly is bringing several key takeaways from that conversation to Ottawa.
“This job is a privilege. And I can’t wait to bring everything we’ve learned this summer back to Parliament, for YOU.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
“If you didn’t get a chance to connect this summer, my door is always open.”
From Kelly’s Facebook post
Innovation and jobs for Kitchener
Kelly and her colleagues visited the University of Waterloo to talk about how the university and its partners are strengthening Canada's tech sector. She says tech is vital for Kitchener Centre because it drives local opportunity, attracts talent and supports families.
In the House of Commons on September 15 and 17, Kelly questioned expert witnesses about innovation. She asked how spending can help new technology reach the market in tech hubs like Kitchener. She also asked how federal research funding can better support community-focused research, and how to cut the bureaucratic steps that local innovators face.
Safer communities: Bill C-240
On September 22, Kelly introduced her Private Member's Bill, Bill C-240, the Offender Rehabilitation Act. Conservative MP Todd Doherty seconded it. The bill would let courts order programs such as education, skills training and treatment during custody.
It would also ask parole boards to consider an offender's progress in those programs. It would make large-scale fentanyl trafficking an aggravating factor in sentencing. Kelly says the goal is to reduce repeat offending and improve community safety.
“Our justice system must do more than punish. It must also heal.”
From Kelly’s House of Commons speech
Affordability and local need
Kelly raised food bank use in the House of Commons. She noted that food bank usage has surged 142% since 2015. In the first half of September, over 15,000 people in Waterloo Region turned to a food bank for help.
She says she wants to cut the federal deficit by reducing spending on bureaucracy and consultants.
Around Kitchener Centre
Kelly met ISOW representatives Kyaw Zin Phyoe, Sharmaine Lichty and Aung Kyaw Hlaing. ISOW is a student-led, self-funded program that sponsors youth from conflict-affected countries to study safely at Laurier. She also joined the ProSmashers Inaugural Badminton Tournament, thanking the organizers, volunteers and athletes. She also attended the Filipino Community Gathering over the summer.
Kelly's office presented an Appreciation Certificate in memory of Stephen Arthur Higgins, who shared Tai Chi, Qi Gong and martial arts through Cold Mountain Internal Arts. She attended the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, and she wished students, teachers and staff a safe first day back to school. She also thanked Victoria Party Store for 20 years of celebrations as it prepares to close on October 18.
Kelly's local team is also looking for volunteers with all kinds of skills, from office help to photography and social media.
Follow along with Kelly's work for Kitchener Centre, and share your ideas with the local team. If you have a few hours to spare, volunteer with us or support the team with a donation.
