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

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you for that. You have my support, 100 per cent of it. Whatever you need, make it happen. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Member’s Statement on Yellowknife Rental Accommodation Costs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I asked you where you think the highest average rent in Canada is, I assume you would say a major Canadian city like Toronto or Vancouver. Mr. Speaker, you would be wrong. If you were wondering what the answer is, you need look no further than out the windows of this building.

Mr. Speaker, according to a 2016 report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Commission, the average rent for a two-bedroom unit in Yellowknife is $1,636 per month, while in Vancouver a similar unit costs $1,450 and in Toronto the rent would be $1,327. That means Yellowknifers on...

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am pleased to hear that the studies have been done, the engineering studies, so we have an idea of what needs to be done. Is this going to be a capital expenditure that comes forward in the capital budget later this year?

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Nothing further, thank you.

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to talk about something that is very important to my constituents in Kam Lake, namely the security around the North Slave Correctional Centre. So are we on track to make those security improvement to the facility that will prevent future escapes? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Does the department maintain court workers in every region? Sorry, let me clarify. In every regional centre where court circuits are held? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If increased activity requires a greater inspection budget, how will the department meet that demand in the wake of this cut if it goes forward? Thank you.

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

The two new sheriff positions, are they located in Yellowknife? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So just to be clear, I appreciate the information. I do wonder if we still need to maintain a high level of awareness of what's happening at Snap Lake. Even though it's not in full operation, it still has a significant impact on our environment and represents a significant liability in ensuring that the company is maintaining its obligations throughout the care and maintenance period. Hopefully, we can get it back online but at this point I would hope that our current budget can accommodate that. I think I heard that from the deputy minister.

I want clarity on this. The...

Committee Motion 65-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Department of Justice, Deferral of Community Justice and Policing Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that response. I think it is a great program, and I encourage the department to continue to support it and find ways to expand upon the program. On to sheriff services. I welcome the increase and the new staff positions and also the Minister's response to oral questions I previously have had in this House. That indicated the department was favourable towards expanding the role of sheriffs to fully cover court security and prisoner escort. Where are we at with that? Thank you, Mr. Chair.