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

Bill 1: Western Canada Lottery Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 1, the Western Canada Lottery Act. Bill 1 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on October 20, 2017, and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review.

Today, I would like to advise the House of the committee's wish to extend our review of the bill with the intention of reporting back to the House on or before February 28, 2018. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, in accordance with Rule 75(1)(c) of the Rules of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest...

Question 77-18(3): Transparency in Resource Royalties
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 7)

Government.

Question 77-18(3): Transparency in Resource Royalties
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 7)

I will remind the honourable Minister that we're the ones who make the rules for the industry. They don't make the rules for themselves. The industry seems to be quite fine to have this information published on a federal website which includes payments made to the GNWT and to Indigenous organizations within the Northwest Territories. If he is not willing to move forward on legislation, will he begin the work on a clear annual statement on how much royalties were received; how much were shared with each Indigenous group; and that this report be tabled annually in the Legislative Assembly? Will...

Member's Statement on Winter Olympics
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 7)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I spoke on the importance of the arts and the need for further investment, but let it be known that that does not take away from my deep admiration for those who participate in sport, physical activity, and recreation. It is on that note that I would like to give special recognition to those Northerners who are participating in the largest display of athletic about in the world, the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Sport brings the world together in celebration of excellence.

It is with the deepest pride and greatest pleasure...

Question 62-18(3): Contribution of the Arts and Culture Sector
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

I am glad to hear there is a whole government approach. It sounds like the Minister is committing to taking this on. We have brought this issue before. Today is not the first time it is brought up. What work has he been doing to fulfill these new arts commitments that he is talking about today? I don't see anything in today's budget around the arts.

Member's Statement on Arts Funding
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, art is a reflection on society and the aspirations, beliefs, and observations of its members. The expression and enjoyment of art is an essential element in the health of any free and democratic society. Art is not created or defined by government, and government's role is to recognize the social, cultural, economic, and spiritual contribution that art makes to our communities. These communities of individual artists, art organizations, and art consumers, they serve in a system and the achievement of these objectives.

Mr. Speaker, the reason I am talking...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to request unanimous consent to move to item 6 on the order paper, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 62-18(3): Contribution of the Arts and Culture Sector
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

When is the Minister going to come back to the House with all this work, tomorrow, the next day, the day after that? Can the Minister give us a timeline?

Question 62-18(3): Contribution of the Arts and Culture Sector
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I also have questions for the Minister of Education, Culture and Employment. Similar to my honourable friend from Yellowknife North, I want to talk about arts as a generator of jobs. This also involves the Minister of Labour. This is an important issue. The Conference Board of Canada estimates the annual contribution of Canada's arts and culture industry is 7.4 per cent. As a gross total, that is more than Canada's mining, forestry, fishery sectors plus the Canadian Forces combined. We talk about transitioning, diversifying our economy. We have the artists...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 6)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the recipients of the Governor General's award for corrections exemplary services in correctional officers. They are here today, and I thank them for their tremendous work in our correctional facilities here, in the Northwest Territories. Thank you.