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 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I find it difficult when this is responded in this manner, to say, “Well, we have money, but I can't tell you what it is or where you can find it.” I would hope the Minister would have a more satisfactory answer, but I will remain unsatisfied.

On the manufacturing strategy, what is the progress-to-date on the consultation engagement and drafting of that strategy, the progress made to date? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you. The Minister also mentioned a program review and that the review would help identify the need to change legislation and other issues. Is the review going to be completed before the legislation comes forward in May and June? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to speak to an issue that I unfortunately wasn't allowed to or wasn't able to ask questions on in a previous section, but I'll just flip over to 207, the departmental total, and just ask about the manufacturing strategy. What money has been attached to the manufacturing strategy in this budget? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

That money the Minister just referred to or those financial resources, does the BDIC have access to those own-source revenues, essentially, to plug the gap that has been created by successive years of cuts to their appropriation? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you. Can the Minister account for the difference in mineral, oil and gas royalties? I know some of these issues were raised, but if he could just clearly account for the difference between the 2017-2018 revised estimates and this year's estimates. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My understanding from stakeholder engagement is that the program review is not really the issue. Most clients are satisfied with the level of service of the programs the BDIC offers. The issue the government seems to take is the operational side, that the appropriation to BDIC is in excess of what it needs to do its job. Is the Minister also undertaking an operational review to restructure the corporation to be more costeffective? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In 2016-2017, we budgeted double the amount of applicants. Sorry, those were the actuals, okay. Again in 2016-2017, we had nearly twice the amount that we budgeted for in the preceding year. What explains the drop in that number of applicants? That's what I'm looking for. How do we understand? I understand how the budget works or how the budget works for this program. Why did we lose so many applicants when the program was doing so well?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you. The last budget, there was a cut in that budget to BDIC. Now, we're seeing a second year of cuts. Is this an ongoing reduction to the BDIC? Are there going to be future-year cuts moving forward, or is this the final round of cuts to BDIC? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I believe those are my only questions for this activity. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm just following up on my honourable friend's comments on the knowledge economy. I'm just wondering what programs the department has to support innovation in the Northwest Territories? I know there is significant effort and money available in the federal government across all provinces and territories for innovation. Do we have any innovation projects or strategies in the works? Thank you, Mr. Chair.