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

Member Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you. What is the total amount for both institutions that our government currently provides? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will try my best to be brief. The line description for the information item mentions the Aurora Research Institute. How much of the building and works line in the amount of $7,385,000, how much of that is allocated to the Aurora Research Institute for laboratory and other research equipment?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister's strong commitments. Let's have more than words. Let's see action. Let's see dollar-for-dollar investment in this program. Every dollar he adds is going to dollars into our economy. Again, I will ask: will he commit to including that in a supplementary appropriation before the end of this calendar year? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am just looking at the glossary on page 54. The community delivery line is programs offered through community learning centres. The Minister just mentioned the teacher program. Is that offered through community learning centres? My understanding is that was offered through the Thebacha campus. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you to the Minister. His predecessor said the same thing. Furthermore, the mandate says, "makes a commitment to implement the Mining Incentive Program." Could the Minister clarify what that commitment means? How are we going to implement the Mining Incentive Program? Is it currently not implemented? What does that exactly mean?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to be clear, the decrease in lines from 201617 to 2017-18 is explained by administrative reductions and the end of the TEP program and Social Work Diploma program. Is that correct? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and you beat me to it, but I would also like to recognize Denae Lafferty, resident of Kam Lake and my constituent; and I'd also like to recognize the grade 6 students who were here from Ecole St. Joseph School earlier today. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have some questions on page 51, which gets into the detail on the Aurora College contribution. I see there are a couple of lines that have been decreased. I would like the Minister to explain what accounts for that decrease. In base operations, there has been just over $300,000 that has been cut to base operations. Can the Minister speak to that, please?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will take it from the Minister it was more or less a Sophie's Choice situation with the college board of directors. These programs, I think, are very beloved in the regions where they operate and are seen as opportunities for the students and Northerners who want to take these programs to better themselves, better their lives, and better their communities. So I would hope that we find ways to streamline and improve programs rather than to end them.

Finally, as I frequently do promote the opportunities that our other partners provide, is there any plan to support...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 56)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just more a comment at this point on how we are rolling out post-secondary education. Again, I feel like we are very far behind where Northerners expect us to be in providing quality post-secondary education here in the Northwest Territories. I will not argue with the Minister that the Student Financial Assistance program is world-class and gives a lot of opportunities to our kids to pursue educational opportunities across Canada and the world, but it is here in the North that I think we need to do a better job at bringing not only opportunities to students who want to...