Kelly DeRidder
Kitchener Centre, Ontario · Conservative · Canada
“Mr. Speaker, when I debated on Bill C‑16 , the protecting victims act, I spoke clearly to my community to say that I am not voting wholeheartedly against this piece of legislation. I am not voting against protecting victims.”
“Mr. Speaker, while I agree that there is a time and place where time allocation makes sense, this is not one of those times. This is an important piece of legislation that does not have unanimous consent in the House and therefore needs debate.”
“Mr. Speaker, that was another non-answer. The Liberal government has said that it is going to make life affordable for everyday Canadians. If this is true, can the minister please stand up and explain why seniors make up the fastest-growing group in the Waterloo region facing homelessness?”
“If interventions can come earlier, lives may be protected and future violence may be prevented. Another story from my riding is of a woman who was strangled by her husband in front of their daughter.”
“Our justice system depends on trust. People need to believe that the rules are applied fairly, that serious crimes are treated seriously and that victims matter, full stop. That is especially important when we are talking about crimes that leave lasting scars on victims, families and entire communities.”
“Canadians are increasingly concerned about public safety. Repeat offenders cycle through the system, and victims struggle to get justice, so why would we yet again weaken the consequences for offenders, while victims try to rebuild their life? Let us think about that.”
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“Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives have put forward a bill on intimate partner violence that I am hoping all parties also support. Today, we are debating Bill C-242 . I ask the member if she will support our Conservative bill, Bill C-242, the jail not bail act.”
“Mr. Speaker, a quick Google search might have indicated some crime, potentially, coming down, but the statistics are coming straight from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, and we are talking about repeat violent offenders here. Therefore I am going to ask this question: Will the member across the aisle support Bill C-242 , the jail not bail act?”
“They deserve to learn, live and work in safe streets, to go to bed without worry, to know their children can play safely in their yard and their park, and to live in the Canada we lived in before the Liberals' Bill C-75 , the “get out of jail free card” act. Let us restore justice. Let us restore confidence in public safety. Let us pass Bill C-242 , the jail not bail act.”
“We would enforce bail conditions on guarantors and require non-residents to surrender their passport upon request. This is not about being punitive; it is about being responsible. It is about restoring order to our streets, trust in our justice system and confidence in our communities. Conservatives are calling on all political parties to set aside political differences and to do what is right. Canadians deserve a justice system that protects them and enables them, not repeat offenders. To every victim, every family, every child, every business owner and every community that has lived through the trauma of violence, I say that Conservatives hear them. We stand with them. We are taking action.”
“Bill C-242 , the jail not bail act, would, first, repeal the Liberal principle of restraint and replace it with a directive that public protection and safety be the primary consideration. Second, it would create a new major offences category with reverse-onus bail conditions for charges like firearm offences, sexual assault, kidnapping, human trafficking, home invasion, robbery, extortion, arson and assault. Third, it would strengthen bail laws by requiring judges to consider an accused's full criminal history and by preventing bail for anyone convicted of a major offence in the last 10 years who is now charged again. Fourth, it would toughen the risk assessment standard from “substantial likelihood” to “reasonably foreseeable”. Fifth, it would prohibit anyone with an indictable conviction from acting as a guarantor.”
“Businesses in the downtown core of Kitchener Centre are struggling. They are being broken into. Their customers are afraid to come downtown. The rise in crime is hurting our business community of hard-working entrepreneurs, who are trying to keep their doors open and staff safe. (1650) Public safety is economic safety, and right now both are at risk, but perhaps the most disturbing example is what happened recently in my own community: the sexual assault and attempted kidnapping of a six-year-old child. The accused was released on conditions and is still residing in the same community where that child lives. This is not okay. Our children's safety is at risk. No parent should have to live with the fear that a violent offender is living down the street. No child should be put in harm's way because our justice system has failed to act.”
“What is even more troubling is that approximately 50% of the charges brought forward by the Waterloo Regional Police are not being pursued by Crown prosecution. That is half of these cases gone. They are not prosecuted; they are gone. Of those released on an undertaking or release order in 2023 and 2024, 20% were found to be in disregard of the terms of their release. What is worse is that more than half of those offenders were caught multiple times. These are the repeat offenders we need off our streets. I received an email today from Anke, a 76-year-old woman in my community. She told me that she is nervous to walk around her community in broad daylight. She wants us to restore Canada to what it was, making it safe for her children and grandchildren. Families are not the only ones suffering.”
“The Toronto Police Association put it plainly: “The proposed ideas will put victims and communities first, restoring the balance that is desperately needed at a time when youth violence and gun crimes are out of control and innocent victims are paying the ultimate price.” This is why Conservatives are introducing Bill C-242 , the jail not bail act. The bill would restore accountability, protect communities and put victims first. I will bring this closer to my riding in Kitchener. In the region of Waterloo, in 2024 alone, there were 3,896 undertakings and 2,334 releases. That is a 61% release rate. This means that the majority of the accused individuals were sent back into our neighbourhoods.”
“This three-year-old child has had to spend three weeks in the hospital recovering from this unimaginable, irrevocable act, and she will be scarred for life. She is a child. That is the cost of this system, which prioritizes offenders over victims. There is also Scott Weller, a victim of a violent home invasion. Scott said, “As someone who knows firsthand the trauma of a violent home invasion, I believe strongly in the need for Jail not Bail. My family was attacked in what should have been the safety of our own home. The idea that violent offenders could be released back onto our streets is terrifying—not just for us, but for every Canadian family.” Scott's words are powerful. They remind us that public safety must come first, that the rights of victims and families must come before the rights of violent offenders.”
“In 2019, the Liberal government passed Bill C-75 , which forced judges to release offenders at the earliest possible opportunity under the least restrictive conditions. As a result, there is a revolving door by which repeat violent offenders end up back on our streets. I want to be clear: This is a crisis of the Liberals' own making, and Canadians are left to live with the devastating consequences. I will be splitting my time today. We have all heard the heartbreaking stories. One that stays with me is that of Daniel Senecal. He was convicted of sexual assault, released under weakened bail laws and then accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old child, whom we have come to know as little E.”
“Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to rise on behalf of my riding of Kitchener Centre. I rise not just as a member of Parliament today but as a representative of a community. My community, Kitchener, is hurting. It is hurting from rising crime, broken trust and a justice system that no longer puts public safety first. After a summer of violent crime and eroded trust in our public safety, Canadians are demanding swift action and they have every right to do so. Across this country, violent crime is up 55%. Firearms offences from non-law-abiding citizens have surged by 130%, and extortion has skyrocketed by 330%. These are not just statistics. They represent shattered lives, grieving families and communities living in fear. This crisis did not happen by accident.”
“Mr. Speaker, I just listened for 20 minutes to the member across creating a bunch of slander against the Conservative Party and a wonderful smokescreen. The Liberals are not taking any accountability for what their bills have done with repeat offenders in our communities. I ask the member how he is going to respond to the family in my community whose six-year-old child was assaulted. The accused was released, out on conditions, living in the same community as the child who was assaulted. What does the member say to them about how the Liberals are going to fix what they have created with their bill, Bill C-75 ?”
“Mr. Speaker, just yesterday, the Liberals voted against our motion to lower hidden food taxes for Canadians. They voted to keep taxing food with their industrial carbon tax on fertilizer and farm equipment, and with inflation tax from increasing spending. These Liberal policies mean families are paying more at the grocery store. Pork was up 37.2% in March alone. When will the Liberal government finally stop its hidden grocery taxes and provide real relief to Canadians?”
“Mr. Speaker, the member is a failed Ontario Liberal finance minister. He failed so miserably that his own PM will not even put him in cabinet. He failed Ontario financially, and now he wants to keep criminals on the streets. Will he support the jail not bail act and not fail on this?”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister said Canadians would judge him by the cost of the food at the grocery store. Because of Liberal spending, the average two bags of groceries now cost $150. We used to be able to fill two carts for that. According to the Waterloo regional food bank, in the first half of September alone, over 15,000 people accessed its services. When will the Prime Minister show some understanding and urgency instead of constant deflection and delay, while increasing deficits?”
“These are not soft-on-crime measures. They are smart-on-recovery interventions. The bill would strength the Corrections and Conditional Release Act to ensure that rehabilitation objectives are considered during parole decisions, and it would amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to treat large-scale fentanyl trafficking as an aggravating factor, reflecting the gravity of the harm inflicted in our communities. I look forward to working with all members of the House to restore dignity, health and hope to those caught in the cycle of addiction. (Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)”
“Bill C-240. Introduction and first reading moved for leave to introduce Bill C-240, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, to make related amendments to the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act . She said: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce the proposed offender rehabilitation act. The bill seeks to address one of the most urgent and heartbreaking crises facing Canadian families: the devastating impact of substance addiction. Canadians see the toll: lives are lost; families are shattered; and public safety is eroded. Our justice system must do more than punish. It must also heal. The bill would empower courts to prescribe structured rehabilitation measures, including education, skills training and treatment programs, to be undertaken during custody.”
“Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Waterloo Region Record says that Ontario businesses are freezing summer hiring. Unemployment in the region is up 7.3%, and TD Bank says there is a looming recession with job losses of 100,000 jobs, causing local businesses to focus on staying lean. Nearly one-third of Canadian small businesses have adjusted or paused their summer hiring plans, according to a survey by Merchant Growth. Kitchener businesses need a plan. A budget is a plan. Why does the government refuse to heed our calls and table a budget that reverses its inflationary spending?”
“His advocacy at the municipal level has played a key role in helping the league thrive in the Waterloo region. This is exactly the kind of community building I am very proud to support. I wish SOCA a very successful season.”
“Mr. Speaker, the other weekend, I had the honour of kicking off the cricket season with SOCA, the Southern Ontario Cricket Association, founded in 1883. Under the leadership of Parveen, Dr. Hariharan, president Giridhar and vice-president Karthik, SOCA has grown into a community of 79 teams. Today, SOCA runs leagues for women, children and seniors, creating a truly inclusive cricket community. In the Waterloo region, SOCA serves 8,000 members, who find friendship, purpose and pride. Through sport, they are growing leaders, role models and stronger communities. Parveen Sharma has dedicated over 31 years to growing this organization. Parveen was the backbone of local cricket programs long before cricket had the visibility it enjoys today. Mayor Berry has been a tremendous support over the years.”
“Madam Speaker, the member opposite spoke at length about tax cuts. While we support all tax cuts, in today's economy, it is just not enough. The average family in Kitchener is spending $800 more a year just to put food on the table. That completely cancels any benefit from this tax cut. What real, lasting solutions will your government offer to help families struggling with this rising cost of living? Will it perhaps table a budget?”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree. I just had a conversation the other day about someone having to put groceries back because they needed to buy formula, and so the other children in the family had to go without in order for the baby to have proper nutrition. This is a crisis we are in. Many households with employed individuals still lack sufficient income to afford food. When will the Liberals be accountable and transparent to the residents of Kitchener Centre and Canada and actually table a budget? Will it be this spring?”
“Mr. Speaker, I agree that this is a crisis. Children in Kitchener are increasingly affected by food insecurity, with 14,418 children using the food bank in the last quarter of 2024. Every child in Canada deserves the fundamental right to grow up free from hunger. Food is not a privilege; it is a necessity. A transparent, well-funded national budget must reflect this priority, outlining clear, actionable plans to eliminate food insecurity and support families across this country. Will the Liberal government table a budget this spring?”
“Mr. Speaker, inflation and food insecurity are pressing concerns in Kitchener. In 2024, one in eight households in the Waterloo region struggled to afford food. Local food banks are sounding the alarm, stating that food insecurity is at an all-time high, with a 25% increase in users needing food assistance. When will the Liberals table an actual budget and stop the inflationary spending that is causing this cost of living crisis?”
“They are asking for clarity and leadership, and for the confidence that the government has a plan. They deserve to know where this country is headed and how they are going to get there. When will the Liberal government hold itself accountable to Canadians and put forward a budget? Will it be this spring?”
“This year, Canadians will pay nearly $17,000 for food, an $800 increase from last year. There goes that tax cut. Two million Canadians visit food banks in a single month. Social media is filled with videos of people crying and struggling to make ends meet. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, just over 106,000 people left this country in 2024, marking the highest number of departures in nearly six decades. Will the Liberal government finally listen to the voices of Canadians, voices that have echoed and been voted on in this House, and present a comprehensive budget this spring, a budget that outlines clear plans for economic recovery, affordability and long-term financial stability? Canadians are not asking for the impossible.”
“The absence of a clear, structured budget has created a ripple effect in uncertainties for individuals, families and businesses across this country. Without a financial road map, we lack the stability and direction needed to support Canadians effectively. A well-defined budget does more than allocate dollars. It provides transparency, ensures fiscal responsibility and empowers Canadians to plan their financial future with confidence. As inflation continues to drive up the cost of living, we need more than vague promises. We need concrete measures. We need a budget that addresses economic challenges head-on and delivers real relief to the households that are struggling the most. There is a cost of living crisis in Canada right now. About 50% of Canadians are living paycheque to paycheque, according to Equifax Canada.”
“It determines how much support goes to social services, things Canadians rely on every day. It sets tax policies and decides how revenue is collected and then distributed, impacting what Canadians pay and therefore what they receive in return. It manages our national debt and ensures financial stability for future generations. At the heart of today's discussion, it addresses cost of living and affordability. It addresses inflation, housing affordability and everyday expenses, issues that are hitting Canadians harder than ever. Therefore, yes, a budget matters. It is not just a document. It is a reflection of our priorities, our values and our commitment to the people we serve. Navigating financial uncertainty is difficult under any circumstances, but when government plans remain unclear, it becomes nearly impossible.”
“At the heart of any meaningful plan is a budget. How can anyone, whether families, businesses or governments, make sound financial decisions without a budget? The answer is simple: They cannot. Without a budget, there is no road map, no way to allocate resources, no way to prepare for the future and no way to ensure that the most vulnerable among us are not left behind. Some may ask, “Why should I care if the government releases a budget? How does that affect my life?” Here is how: The federal budget is Canada's financial blueprint. It outlines how the government plans to spend, invest and manage public funds to support our economy and our people. (1640) It matters deeply. Here is why: It helps steer the economy by funding infrastructure, job creation and innovation, laying a foundation for long-term growth.”
“That is $895.20 to eat just the same basic meal every night for 30 days, with no breakfast, no lunch, no snacks, no fruit, no eggs, no bread, no cleaning supplies and no toiletries. That is just dinner. It is no wonder that more and more families are slipping below the poverty line. I recently spoke with people at Extend-A-Family in Kitchener, which is doing incredible work supporting children and adults with disabilities. They shared with me that after being granted the disability tax credit, individuals with disabilities still struggle to meet their basic needs. Every month, they fall short on essentials such as food, shelter and transportation. There is simply not enough. We need to do better. I bring this up because we need a plan for Canadians. As a government, planning is not optional; it is our responsibility.”
“Parents are now forced to adopt tactics just to make ends meet, scanning for clearance stickers, timing their visits to catch markdowns and relying on discount racks where the freshness of the food is, at best, questionable. These are not just cost-saving habits. They are survival strategies, and they speak volumes about the growing cost of living. I would like to break this down to one example of what many would consider a modest, affordable dinner, spaghetti and meat sauce with a salad: one pound of beef, $4.72; two cans of tomatoes, $4.22; two onions, $2.00; milk for the family, $5.38; pasta sauce, $3.22; iceberg lettuce, $3.07; salad dressing, $3.29; and noodles, two packs, $3.94. That is a total of $29.84 for just one dinner. Now, we can multiply that by 30 days.”
“Tomatoes have risen to $4.69 per kilogram. Two kilograms of white rice is $9.82. Are we ready for this? A pack of bacon is $6.85. Let us have a look at just pure essentials: milk, two litres, is $5.38; white bread is $3.48 a loaf; and infant formula now costs $48.24. For parents who are unable to breastfeed, whether for medical, physical or personal reasons, this is not a choice. It is a necessity. For nearly $50 a container, how is the average Canadian supposed to afford the basic nutrition their baby needs to grow and thrive? For many families across Canada, grocery shopping has become more than a routine errand; it has become a high-stakes strategy game.”
“Mr. Speaker, I will be splitting my time today with the member for Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay . I am going to share with the House today some recent figures from the consumer price index, Canada's primary measure of inflation. Quite frankly, they are astonishing. As of April, prices of food purchased from stores have increased by 3.8%. This marks the third consecutive month in which grocery prices have risen faster than the general cost of living. Key contributors include the following: fresh or frozen beef, up 16.2%; coffee and tea, up 13.4%; sugar and confectionery, up 8.6%; and fresh vegetables, up 3.7%. These numbers are not just statistics. They represent real struggles for Canadians trying to put food on the table. Let us break this down a little further. Ground beef has risen to $14.17 per kilogram.”
“Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the warm welcome. I am here on a federal level, and I have actually started conversations with our municipalities and also with our provincial representatives to ensure that we can collaborate and work together for the best interests of Kitchener Centre residents.”
“Mr. Speaker, it was an honour to meet the member during the campaign, and I am honoured to serve with him here in Ottawa as well. When I was knocking on doors, one of the main concerns was affordability. I thought to myself that if we asked the average Canadian if they wanted to pay $1,400 a year for someone to consult, I think the answer would be no. When will the Liberal government stop putting Canadians' hard-earned money into the pockets of their consultant friends so they can put it back into their own pockets instead?”
“Mr. Speaker, while I was at the doors knocking, when the topic came up of this drug crisis we are facing, not one person I talked to was not either directly or indirectly impacted by it, whether they had lost a loved one or knew someone who had, or they had seen someone in their community under the influence of these toxic drugs. What has been happening is completely inhumane. I ask the Liberals this: When will they stop supporting these social experiments and failed policies and start supporting mental health and rehabilitation services so that we can bring our loved ones home happy, healthy and drug-free?”
“Mr. Speaker, Kitchener ranks as the fourth-most affected city because of tariffs. However, our technology sector has the potential for unprecedented growth. When will the Liberal government unlock investment opportunities by streamlining and reducing taxes? The Conservative platform on investment focuses on cutting taxes, reducing regulations and boosting economic growth. That is another one for the Liberals to copy. Please, I welcome it.”
“I am here to work for the single parent balancing two jobs, for those living under the poverty line, for the young graduate searching for stability, for the entrepreneur building something new and for the countless individuals wanting a second chance. Kitchener Centre is not just my riding; it is my heart, and I vow to work for it with every ounce of my dedication. To my fellow representatives in the House, I say let us move forward with courage and conviction. Let us not simply acknowledge these challenges but solve them. Let us prove through action that public service is more than governance: It is the unwavering pursuit of a better future. Together we can build it.”
“Since January, the WRPS has been actively collaborating with our local BIA on initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges and enhancing community well-being. To further support these efforts, we must take a firm stance on crime and repeal the soft-on-crime provisions in Bill C-5 and Bill C-75 . These policies have made it more difficult to hold repeat offenders accountable and have contributed to a revolving door in our justice system. We need to ensure that individuals who repeatedly victimize our communities are kept off our streets and that those responsible for trafficking deadly substances such as fentanyl face the most severe penalties, including life sentences for kingpins. I did not enter public service to offer empty words.”
“These children deserve to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, yet they are exposed to the harsh daily realities of downtown life. Criminal activity unfolds right in front of them as they wait for the school bus or play in the nearby park. This is unacceptable. The safety of all of our children must never be an afterthought. It is our responsibility to ensure that they can live, learn and play in communities free from fear. The solution is not stigma; the solution is compassion and treatment. We must expand access to mental health support, strengthen rehabilitation programs and ensure that no one falls through the cracks. I recently had the opportunity to speak with members of our outstanding Waterloo Regional Police Service, who shared with me that in 2024 alone, they responded to over 11,000 incidents in our downtown core.”
“It is a crisis that is not just statistical and not economic; it is profoundly human. I have listened to the voices of families who have lost loved ones; frontline business owners and workers grappling with its impact; and communities, especially in our downtown core, caught in the crossfire of addiction and crime. One conversation that deeply resonated with me was with Cynthia, a constituent from Kitchener Centre. Not only has her business suffered because of this crisis, but she also brought to my attention a critical issue: the Alexandrian. It is a residential building in the heart of our downtown, which is not alone. This building is home to many newcomers to Canada and low-income families, including children of all ages.”
“It must be a reality for every worker, every student choosing to stay in the region while entering the workforce and every small business daring to dream. We must invest in key technologies and industries: green technology, the arts and creative sectors, advanced manufacturing, med tech, deep tech, AI and more. We need to implement policies that empower our people and drive investment, ensuring our economy is sustainable and future-proof. (1745) Today, our community has an opportunity to forge a new path ahead, and we are well positioned to do so. We must support the initiatives of the leaders of our industries on a federal level to ensure a prosperous future for Kitchener Centre. However, amid these ambitions, I must address the harsh reality that so many of our neighbours face: this drug crisis.”
“These staggering numbers are a direct consequence of the rising cost of living, which is forcing more and more people to turn to essential support services just to put food on the table. This is not just an economic issue; it is a human one. It is a call to action that demands urgent and meaningful solutions to ensure that no family in Kitchener Centre or beyond has to struggle for their basic needs. We must forge policies that ease this pressure, ensuring less taxation, affordable housing and stability for our communities across Canada. Equally vital is my commitment to job creation. Kitchener Centre has long been a hub of innovation, with a thriving tech industry and entrepreneurial spirit. However, opportunity must be more than a promise.”
“I heard the stories at the doors: parents stretching every dollar, young people questioning whether they can afford a home or local businesses trying to stay afloat amid increasing expenses. Affordability is not just a word; it is the difference between stability and struggle, between hope and hardship. During the campaign, I had the opportunity to tour the Waterloo regional food bank. While I was deeply impressed by its efficiency and dedication, I found myself grappling with the unsettling reality, the sheer scale at which such an operation is needed in our community. Between 2023 and 2024, the number of new households accessing food hamper programs for the first time skyrocketed by 210%. In that same period, 29,786 hampers were distributed to families in need, for an increase of 109%.”
“I was taught the value of hard work, ambition and the belief that, with effort, anything was possible. That was the Canada and the home that I grew up in, a place where dedication and perseverance could lead to home ownership, financial security and a good life in a safe neighbourhood. Today, those dreams feel farther out of reach for many. This reality is one that I will fight to change. I am committed to building a future in which affordability is not an obstacle, jobs provide stability and communities are free from the devastating impacts of addiction and crime. I am here to listen. I am here to act. I am here to make sure that every person in Kitchener Centre has the opportunity to thrive. The rising cost of living has tightened its grip on families, young professionals and seniors alike.”
“To my predecessor Mike, I say thanks for his service to Kitchener Centre. I will continue to be a strong advocate. Kitchener Centre is more than a place on a map. It is where I was raised; it is where my heart belongs. I attended J F Carmichael, then Queensmount, and went off to Forest Heights, before completing my education at Conestoga, where I earned a diploma in mechanical engineering, specializing in robotics and automation. My career in management has spanned over 18 years, focusing on effective communication, fiscal responsibility and policy creation to improve efficiencies. These are principles I will carry with me into public service. I grew up in a home where money was not plentiful, but resilience and determination were abundant.”
“Mr. Speaker, standing here today and representing my community in the 45th Parliament is the honour of a lifetime. I want to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the people of Kitchener Centre for placing their trust in me. Their voices, their concerns and their aspirations are at the heart of everything I will do in Ottawa. I also want to take a moment to recognize the dedicated volunteers who made this journey possible. Their passion, hard work and unwavering commitment carried me to this moment. I am not standing here alone; each and every one of them is here with me. My husband, Chris, my mom, my closest friends, my dad and my daughter, Abigail, are my strength, my motivation and my greatest supporters. Their love and belief in me have guided me every step of this path, and I am forever grateful.”
“Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister introduced his first spending bill. The Liberals increased spending by 8% after promising to keep it below 2%. Spending on consultants alone increased by more than 36%, to an unprecedented $26.1 billion. Now, every Canadian household has to pay $1,400 per year in taxes just to pay for well-connected Liberal insiders. Liberal spending drives inflation. When will the Liberals spend responsibly to ensure that Canadians, including residents of Kitchener Centre, never have to decide between filling the refrigerator and putting—”