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 385-18(2): Changes to Cities, Towns and Villages Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I try to be economical in my questions. Finally, does the Minister believe that this work will be completed by the end of this term, or will we have to wait until another Assembly, or potentially the Assembly after that, to see these changes come forward? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 385-18(2): Changes to Cities, Towns and Villages Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 35)

I believe the legislation was last updated in 1988, and many of these recommendations have been long-standing for as long as five or six years. When does the Minister plan to direct the department to begin this work? Can our municipal partners have some timelines to consider, as they've been asking for a very, very long time?

Committee Report 2-18(2): Interim Report on the Review of Members’ Conduct Guidelines
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to welcome Manuel Jorge who is here today with us. He's a great member of my constituency in Kam Lake, and the owner/operator of Energy Wall Building Systems. I'd also like to recognize Mr. Tony Whitford, former member for Kam Lake amongst many other things. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome.

Question 385-18(2): Changes to Cities, Towns and Villages Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 35)

Is the Minister aware of the long-standing resolutions being passed by the NWTAC, and more recently by the City of Yellowknife amongst other councils? Is the department paying attention to that? Is the Minister paying attention to that, and how does she respond to these long-standing issues? Has the department looked into this before, Mr. Speaker? Has the department done research before this point, or is this research just starting now?

Question 367-18(2): A New Day Healing Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

At this point, the facilitators of the New Day Program are unsure of their continuing role in delivering this service in the Northwest Territories. Can the Minister commit to meeting with the staff of the New Day Program and perhaps working on ways to improve the current existing program? I think Members of this House have signalled, by putting the name of the program in the mandate, that this is something we support, continue to support, and want to see preserved.

Question 367-18(2): A New Day Healing Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I have questions for the Minister of Justice. In the 17th Assembly, the honourable Member for Great Slave was Minister of Justice at the time. During the time of his tenure as Justice Minister, he expressed his gratitude towards those involved with developing and delivering the New Day Program, as well as those men who were choosing a better way: "We know that family violence is deliberate. We know that violence is based on a pattern of behaviours against the will and against the well-being of family members. This program will be a significant step towards...

Member's Statement on A New Day Healing Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. This New Day Program has presented both nationally and internationally and soon there will be a national CBC documentary just about this program and how effective it has been. The last thing in speaking to New Day, they say we know this program works because people come back, and that speaks highly to its success rates.

If we're going to continue to tackle this problem, this crisis of family violence, and change our dubious distinction as the second worst in Canada we need to continue to support healing programs like this, and A New Day is a great...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I understand the discomfort around this line of questioning, so I will cease for now. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So I suppose there's some competing strategic priorities here. But given that our government's mandate also includes diversifying our economy, investing in post-secondary institutions such as Dechinta and College nordique, is there a way we can provide more? Are we picking winners and losers here? Is it Aurora College versus other institutions or are we providing equal support for all our post-secondary partners in the Northwest Territories? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 34)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the Minister being candid, and that was where I was going. I'm not very knowledgeable about this fund. Is it all or nothing? Can you only make applications for the Northwest Territories from one agency or can multiple agencies access this funding? Does it need to be government-sponsored? Those are a couple questions, but I'd like answers. Thank you, Mr. Chair.