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

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

In the proposal from Dechinta to access the Post-Secondary Strategic Investment Fund, can the department share the total amount of federal investment that was being requested?

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yesterday we were discussing the Post-Secondary Strategic Investment Fund, and I had asked the Minister if he was aware of an application that Dechinta University had made to the federal government to access this fund. I'd like to start with that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister commit to providing that report and an update on the situation before December 31st of this calendar year, when the pilot program is due to expire? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

What is the intention of the department today? Is it to extend this program or is it to move forward with something different?

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd also like to recognize Mr. William Greenland from the New Day program, Ernest Abel, Executive Director from the Tree of Peace. Thank you for all that you do for men in need. I'd also like to recognize Jacq Brasseur for her amazing work with the Rainbow Coalition of Yellowknife. Finally, I'd like to recognize my constituency assistant Garett Cochrane, it's his birthday today, and we're very pleased to have him in the Chamber. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the rate of reported spousal assaults in the Northwest Territories is one of the highest in the country, second only to Nunavut, measuring in at nine to 12 times the provincial average. Members of this Assembly recognize that fact as a crisis. In our priorities document before we created the mandate we committed to taking action on the crisis of family and community violence. When the mandate was developed we made a commitment to continue to support healing programs for men who use violence in intimate relationships, such as a New Day Healing Program. Today...

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate that we do provide O and M funding, I'm discussing a capital request that Dechinta had made to the federal government, and that was more the line of my question; if we have a competing interest versus federal and capital investment for Aurora College versus other post-secondary institutions. But I take the Minister's point that it's his assessment that all of our post-secondary partners are treated fairly.

If Dechinta or College nordique or anyone else who wants to invest in this Post-Secondary Strategic Investment Fund in the future or a fund similar to it...

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

Would the Minister agree that it's helpful if the government does write a letter of support for these funding applications? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In speaking with this I guess very important private sector in developing our economy, the number was much higher from them, around $30 million with additional sources of funding lined up for O and M endowments going forward. So my question then is what was Dechinta looking for from the department in order to support their proposal? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is the Minister aware of the total request for funding and the commitment that the federal government had made to this initiative from Dechinta? Thank you.