About Kelly

Kelly Steiss is a dedicated community leader born in the scenic locale of Little Current on Manitoulin Island. With a solid educational background, holding a BA in Social Development Studies from the University of Waterloo and additional diplomas in Social Work and Project Management, Kelly is equipped to understand and address complex community issues.

Currently, she serves the city of Kitchener in a pivotal role, overseeing the programs at three community centres. This job reflects Kelly's hands-on approach to community service, a quality that shone brightly during the pandemic. During that critical period, Kelly fought to keep some centres open, ensuring locals had dignified access to vital resources like food and computer services.

Kelly's commitment to community goes well beyond her day job. With notable terms on the Mayor's Task Force for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and recognition through an Employee Choice award for exceptional leadership, Kelly's track record speaks volumes about her dedication and hands-on approach to building a more inclusive community.

Now stepping onto the political stage as an MPP candidate, Kelly is eager to take her talent for connecting with people and making positive changes to Queen's Park. Kelly's leadership style, grounded in empowerment, promises a transparent and approachable governance, keen on fostering a strong connection with the Kitchener Centre community.

Beyond the professional realm, Kelly has been a beacon in the community, involved in initiatives ranging from spearheading the Princess Project to assisting in tech courses for newcomer women. As a potential MPP, Kelly intends to remain a transparent, approachable leader, attentively working towards the betterment of housing, affordability, healthcare, disability support, and senior care within the community. She aims to be actively involved and make steady positive changes, always being open to the community's input and concerns.

  • In my career, I have always been responsible to listen to the needs of people and then to create action to solve issues. I wanted to take these skills of being able to connect with people, to listen and to work hard to make changes so that people’s lives are better and I want to apply that at Queen’s Park. Additionally, under this government, it has highlighted for me the importance of good leadership and governance.

  • With a background in government relations and project management, I excel in community development, crisis management, negotiations, and public speaking.

  • I commit to maintaining a close connection with my constituents by organizing regular town halls and community meetings to ensure I remain accessible. I will create a newsletter to highlight the work I am undertaking, the decisions being made, and my accountability regarding those decisions.