Kieron Testart

Member Range Lake

Kieron Testart was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Range Lake.

Mr. Testart was born on March 22, 1985, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He was raised in the Northwest Territories, first residing in Tuktoyaktuk and later in Yellowknife, where Mr. Testart now lives with his family, his diverse background and wealth of experiences have shaped his commitment to community development and effective governance.

Mr. Testart was elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kam Lake in the 18th Legislative Assembly, where he demonstrated a keen understanding of the issues facing his constituents. Beyond his legislative roles, Kieron has contributed significantly to the economic development of the region. Serving as the Director of Economic Development for the Yellowknives Dene First Nation from 2021 to 2023. Mr. Testart’s commitment to education and language advocacy is evident in his role as Program Coordinator for Canadian Parents for French from 2020 to 2021. His efforts have extended to policy analysis within the Government of the Northwest Territories and serving as Deputy Sheriff from 2009 to 2014.

Academically, Kieron holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge (2004-2009) and a Certificate in Parliamentary Governance from McGill University (2017).

Married to Colleen, he is the proud father of Corbin, Eve, and Leander. In addition to his professional pursuits, Kieron finds joy in various hobbies and interests, including a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport, a love for film and theatre, grassroots activism, and an avid curiosity about international affairs.

Kieron's commitment to community extends beyond the political realm. As a dedicated volunteer, he has been actively involved in various capacities, including serving on the NWT Federal Liberal Association Board of Directors since 2011, contributing to the Liberal Party of Canada. His volunteer experience also includes a position on the NWT Branch Board of Directors for Canadian Parents for French from 2014 to 2020 and mentoring youth with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada in 2014-2015.

Range Lake Electoral District

Committees

Accountability and Oversight
Social Development
Public Accounts
Procedure and Privileges
Member Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I apologize; I know the Member for Mackenzie Delta asked some questions about the wildfire risk management plans, but I will ask a similar question as I did about the fire damage compensation. Is this money, the $75,000 that has been allocated, does this get out the door every year? Or is this, again, a holding pattern type of thing? Well, let's clarify. So in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, how much of the $75,000 was utilized by communities for the developmental of wildfire risk management plans? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to clarify some of the issues raised by my honourable friend, the Member from Frame Lake, on this Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program. Although there is a decrease indicated on page 69, if you turn to page 70, it would appear that the contribution to the Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program is actually increasing by just under $300,000, and conservation planning is likewise increased. Could the Minister just speak to the issue of the program detail decreasing but the overall contribution increasing? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Do we evaluate our inventories based on their -- I am not sure the technical language, but as carbon sinks? Have we recognized the benefits of reducing carbon admissions that our forestry assets represent, and do we take that into consideration when we are managing our inventories? Thank you.

Question 177-18(3): Knowledge Economy in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Mr. Speaker, I'll ask the questions here, if the Minister doesn't mind. The other area here is innovation, of course. How is ITI rewarding innovators in our economy? What programs and support do they have in place to reward private sector actors who are innovating their own businesses, including the mines? How are we rewarding innovation at all levels of our economy?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Okay, so, if the money is not spent, this is returned to general revenues, or is this diverted internally to other activities in the department? How is the lapsed funding typically used by the department? Is it just lapsed funding that goes away, or is it spent on other activities? Thank you.

Question 177-18(3): Knowledge Economy in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Time and time again, the Members at this side of the House have raised the issue of knowledge economy and our government's investment in it. I'd like to ask the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment exactly what his department is doing on this file? It doesn't seem like much, but perhaps he can set the record straight and allow us to understand how ITI is advancing the knowledge economy in the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, the actuals in 2016-2017 were only $10,000. What was the difference between the estimates and the actuals in 2016-2017? Thank you.

Committee Report 5:18(3): Report on the Review of Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Merci, Monsieur le President. Your Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to provide its Report on the Review of Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act, and commends it to this House.

Introduction

The Standing Committee on Government Operations is pleased to report on its review of Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act.

Bill 1, sponsored by the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs (MACA), repeals the existing Western Canada Lottery Act (WCLA) and replaces it with a new act to establish a Northwest Territories Lottery Commission, under the direction of the Minister, with the...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. On page 83, under "grants," we see "fire damage compensation." I am just wondering, in the 2017-2018 fiscal year, how much of this money was spent? I am just wondering about the overall level of subscription. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Member's Statement on Innovation and Knowledge Economy Development Policies and Programs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 17)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With the knowledge economy emerging and becoming an ever more vital contributor for continued sustainability of northern economic growth, it would seem like a sector this government would seek to stimulate through strategic investments and development and innovation strategy that rewards private sector investment in innovative solutions. This would also prepare us for the coming reality of carbon pricing and green economy solutions to northern mining and manufacturing. For, in the end, innovators will move to jurisdictions that support innovation. That is why I am quite...