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

Question 769-18(2): Procurement Policy Reform
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Well, the Minister consults with me; that is one person. I am wondering if he will consult with everyone in the Northwest Territories through a public engagement process, and then create a report that can come back to this House and be assessed by the standing committee and the government on its results and lead to comprehensive procurement reform in the Northwest Territories. Will the Minister commit to do that?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to recognize Mr. Fraser Oliver, a strong Kam Laker who is taking an interest in our proceedings and also president of the NWT Teachers' Association. Welcome.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I move that the Chair rise and report progress.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 71)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the Standing Committee on Government Operations concluded its review of Bill 17, An Act to Amend the Income Tax Act, on April 6, 2017, for the public hearing held here in the Legislative Assembly building. The bill amends the Income Tax Act by facilitating the provision of additional financial support to low- and modest-income families by:

adjusting the formula for the NWT Child Benefit;

incorporate provisions of the federal Income Tax Act that relate to the withholding of tax refunds;

updating the names of some federal agencies;

clarifying the definition of the...

Question 765-18(2): Modernizing Accessibility to Public Housing
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier today, I spoke around issues in accessing housing services, and I would like to ask the Minister responsible for the NWT Housing Corporation: are steps being taken to renew the strategic renewal of the corporation? Are some of those going to be looking at online access to LHOs and the various programs? Are we going to look at making the Housing Corporation's programs more user-friendly for Northerners? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 760-18(2): Territorial Cannabis Legislation and Regulation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

That's exactly the point, is that they're not going to wait so we need to be prepared. I question, you know, how surprising this development was. It has been in the federal Liberal Government's platform. I'd like to ask the Minister how many FTP meetings have they had around this issue and how many internal meetings have we had that have been informed by those FTP meetings?

Question 760-18(2): Territorial Cannabis Legislation and Regulation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am overjoyed that we are finally talking about cannabis regulation in this House, and I would like to ask the Minister of Justice: given what he has rolled out here, we have 12 months to put in place legislation in order to meet the deadline that has been established by Ottawa's proposed cannabis act, which gives us seven months to develop legislation after the consultation period. Can the Minister assure this House that cannabis legislation and regulation will be in place by the time legalization takes place nationally? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement on Modernizing Accessibility to Public Housing
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

Mr. Speaker, the role of a Member of the Legislative Assembly is not confined to sittings of this House and work on committees. An equally important aspect of this job is helping address our constituents' concerns by helping them access government services and programs.

Mr. Speaker, it should come as no surprise that my constituents are my first priority, something I share with the honourable Members of this House. Since the election, I have constantly worked to assist Kam Lakers with the challenges they face in their everyday lives, and, when it comes to these issues, Mr. Speaker, there is no...

Question 765-18(2): Modernizing Accessibility to Public Housing
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

Mr. Speaker, the Minister has said to me she is going to look into this issue, outside of the House and now in the Chamber. Can she commit today that there will be online access to all programs by the end of this calendar year?

Question 760-18(2): Territorial Cannabis Legislation and Regulation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 70)

Thank you to the Minister for that response, and I look forward to working with the honourable Minister on this issue as well. Can the Minister explain how he thinks that work is going to roll out?

This is a complex issue. It deals with regulation. It deals with taxation. It deals with health. It has significant budgetary concerns, both in generating revenue and in paying for public awareness programs. It might require amendments to territorial legislation regarding criminal matters. Is the Minister willing to accept a joint working group or a joint committee in order to properly shepherd this...