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 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.

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

Thank you for that clarification from the witness. Since the Minister announced the Almod deal, has there been any actual work at these facilities? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to report to the Assembly that the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed Bill 1, Western Canada Lottery Act.

Mr. Speaker, this bill establishes the Northwest Territories Lottery Commission. It also establishes the Physical Activity, Sport and Recreation Fund, a special purpose fund that will receive proceeds from the operation of lotteries by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation. The commission is responsible for the conduct, management and operation of lotteries. The Minister will administer the fund and distribute proceeds for...

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the Minister for that update. I am a great supporter of this important subsidy program to our mining industry. I wanted to also turn to secondary diamonds. My honourable friend from Yellowknife North was just scratching the surface of some of these issues. The Minister announced the establishment of a new secondary diamond operation with much fanfare. We haven't had many updates since then. What action is the department taking to help move this process along and eliminate this immigration roadblock? Thank you.

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

Nothing further. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 166-18(3): Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot Project
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 16)

Mr. Speaker, the Ontario pilot project is just one of many that is taking place in the world. We've had them happen in Canada before. I'll ask the Minister. He mentioned the productive choices. How is that similar to a basic income pilot? How is that achieving the same results?

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Looking at page 221, I would like to ask some questions about the Mining Incentive Program. This program was increased in last year's budget to a million dollars, more than double. I am just wondering if the Minister can speak to whether all of this money got out the door last fiscal or this fiscal year. Did all the money invested into this fund get used? Thank you.