
September 2026 at a glance
29
posts & videos
8
House of Commons speeches
2
EDA events
67
photos
Focused on:Community events and local organizations Advocacy for Kitchener Centre in the House of Commons Jobs, innovation and local business Constituent help and casework Affordability and cost of living
September was a busy month for Kelly DeRidder, MP for Kitchener Centre. She shared 29 posts and videos and gave 8 speeches in the House of Commons. From town halls to festivals, she spent the month listening to residents and speaking up for the riding.
Affordability, housing and safety
In the House of Commons, Kelly spoke about the cost of fuel. She called a partial gas tax measure a good start. She said it is not enough, and that Conservatives want all federal tax removed from gas and diesel at least until Canada Day 2027. She said the full plan would mean 25¢ per litre in savings at the pump, compared to 11¢.
Kelly also wrote to the Minister's office in support of the Fire Station 8 affordable housing project in Kitchener. She said she will keep advocating for it, because it expands housing options and makes better use of existing public infrastructure.
On community safety, Kelly hosted a roundtable with MP Khanna. They heard from victims advocacy groups and support centres about their experiences with the justice system, including the Sloka case in Kitchener. Kelly also shared a news story about families turning to meal programs like Tiny Home Takeout, which serves hundreds of people a night, and noted that affordability is a serious issue.
“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
Innovation, jobs and opportunity
Kelly calls Kitchener Centre Canada's innovation capital. She asked questions about why so many Canadian companies building dual-use technologies are not supplying the federal government. A survey raised in the discussion identified almost 430 such companies. Kelly said the talent and technology are here, and that procurement should focus on Canadian innovation.
She also shared a visit by Angola's Consul General to Communitech and said she is proud to see her work with Angola continue to grow. Closer to home, Kelly joined NIROW's Uncover Your Spark Career Workshop and congratulated the YouthForce 2026 graduates. She also welcomed the $2 million in provincial funding for SHE Builds, a new skilled trades program for women and gender-diverse survivors of gender-based violence in Waterloo Region.
“The talent and technology are here. Now we need to make sure procurement is focused on Canadian innovation.”
From Kelly’s Facebook video
Listening to residents and helping constituents
On Sept. 10, Kelly joined MPs Dr. Matt Strauss and Connie Cody for a town hall on social media legislation at Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre. She heard from parents, teachers and families about helping kids stay safe online.
Kelly also looked back on a summer of meetings with constituents. Her office shared a few of those meetings and thanked everyone who took the time to talk. Her team's casework continues, and anyone needing help with a federal department or service can call the office at 519-746-8867. The office is at 201-130 Weber Street W, Kitchener. Kelly also thanked neighbours for their kind words and hosted an End of Summer BBQ where families chatted with the team.
“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
Celebrating culture, sport and community
Kelly marked the Arab Festival in Carl Zehr Square, Sikh Community Day 2026, Filipino Canadian Community Day and the Far East Asian Night Market. She thanked the Kitchener BIA for pulling off the night market. She said these events show the many cultures and traditions that make Kitchener Centre a vibrant place to call home.
She also cheered on local sport. Kelly wore orange with the Kitchener Panthers for Orange Jersey Day. She attended the Paddle Palooza Pickleball Festival and highlighted the fourth year of the Canadian Muay Thai Open in Kitchener. She congratulated the Shanley on its grand opening and spoke about the value of the local arts and culture community.
Recognizing local people and organizations
Kelly visited Vision Loss Rehab to learn how they help people with vision loss stay independent and connected. She met Tracy Elop of Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health about their Path to Education program, which helps children stay on track and graduate. She also spent time with the YMCA of Three Rivers to celebrate their summer programs.
Her local spotlights honoured a senior who has scanned and shared pieces of Kitchener's history through the J.M. Schneider Golden Age Club. They also honoured Sandy van Solm, Waterloo's first female Fire Chief.
Want to help shape what comes next? Follow along with Kelly's work, and get in touch with the local team to volunteer or donate.
















