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
Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Kieron_Testart@ntassembly.ca
Phone
(867) 767-9143 (link is a phone number)
Extension
12150
Constituency Office
Email
Taylor_Pagotto@ntassembly.ca
Phone
867-447-0439(link is a phone number)

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 32)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize a Page from my riding of Kam Lake, Rhuwina Javier. Thank you very much for your hard work this sitting. Thank you.

Committee Motion 57-18(3): Committee Report 7-18(3): Standing Committee Review on Government Operation and Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 6: Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act – Disburseme
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 32)

Mr. Chair, I move that this Assembly recommend that the Government of the Northwest Territories consider specific spending targets for the disbursement of cannabisrelated revenues aimed at public education, public awareness, and public health research related to cannabis use;

And further, that the Liquor Commission report on cannabis sales in its annual report. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 55-18(3): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Standing Committee on Social Development Report on the Review of Bill 6: Cannabis Legalization and Regulation Implementation Act – Record Suspension for Cannabis Possession
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 32)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. One of the issues that was raised quite frequently in the communities was the issue of young people getting charged with cannabis possession charges, and having it serve as a barrier for future employment, for travel, and that the prohibition system has largely set many of our young people out to fail. With the changes made to the record suspension system by the previous federal government, record suspensions are much more time consuming and expensive. It is difficult for everyday citizens who are suffering from relatively minor offences such as cannabis possession to...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, would like to recognize Jennifer Lafferty, her partner Donald White, and their son Cameron. Thank you for being with us today and your hard work in developing the petition that I will be tabling later today. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, until that, can we expect no further appropriations for the current courtroom renovations until that planning study is done, notwithstanding the work that's already been undertaken, so no new work apart from what is already going on until we can see that business case and potentially approve a new facility? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I thank the Minister for the clarification. Nothing further. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and that would be helpful. I am certainly not looking to question the specifics of these projects, other than to gain a general awareness of where the improvements are being targeted and, fundamentally, to know that they are going to get done in a timely fashion. The contract for the security deficiencies has not gone ahead, so I will be keeping an eye for the June date and the July date to ensure that they are done.

Just turning to court services, there is more money in here for the courthouse. Are these all carry-overs from previous years? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think it is fair to be concerned around carry-overs, but my question for the Minister is: does this represent a cash flow problem? When we look at the totality of the carry-overs, that is where the concern seems to be raised, but do we have a cash flow problem as it relates to these carry-overs? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you for the opportunity to clarify, Mr. Chair. On page 16 of the supplementary estimates, at the top of the page is North Slave Correctional Centre Security Retrofit, $541,000, and then, down the list, there is North Slave Correctional Centre Zone 1 security infrastructure, $617,000. I am asking if I can get an explanation of this $617,000 appropriation. Thank you.

Motion 17-18(3): Review of Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Project
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 31)

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Thursday, May 31, 2018, I will move the following motion: Now therefore I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that the 18th Legislative Assembly requests that the Auditor General of Canada undertake a special audit of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway project and report thereon to the Legislative Assembly; and further, that the Auditor General assess project control, administration, and the long-term implications of related financial agreements; value for money; reporting; and adherence to standards for contracting...