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

Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I think one of the highest obligations of any legislator is to ensure that the rights of Canadians, and certainly in our case the rights of all Northerners, are protected including essential democratic rights, and the Charter is our guide to doing that.

I am concerned that the amendment as indicated in Committee Motion 91-18(2) does not adequately ensure that the constitutional rights of Northerners will be protected and potentially infringed by a ban for running for office, and I propose this amendment is a way to provide certainty that, should a ban be brought...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 67)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. WHEREAS the Legislative Assembly identified a number of priority actions including fostering healthy families by focusing on wellness prevention and improved nutrition as well as creating opportunities for healthy lifestyles and community leadership for youth;

AND WHEREAS Petition 6-18(2): Elimination of time change in the Northwest Territories was presented to the House on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, and contained over 500 electronic signatures of territorial residents;

AND WHEREAS academic research has demonstrated that there may be negative effects on both the mind and...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I should note the household statistics seem to be lumped under one line "Transportation," is that correct or is there separate data being collected on air transportation? Did the department just multiply that transportation line and base its analysis on that or did it base its analysis on specific air costs? Thank you

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I suppose it's a bit clearer, but I think committee had a different understanding when we embarked on our report.

The other thing, the Minister made reference that carbon taxes and other cost of living increases are not part of this plan, but I would argue that our cost of living has everything to do with the Yellowknife Airport and any fees need to be carefully measured. The committee has recommended that the airport fees be implemented over time rather than all at once.

Now the Minister has already said that he disagrees with that, but does he further disagree with the...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. This has been a long road coming to this place for Bill 7. Initially it came to committee and some details were omitted that didn't allow proper analysis. It went back for review for 120 days and committee has had time to consider it. Those public consultations, at least for me -- and I'll be clear, I am speaking for myself as an honourable Member of this House -- those public consultations were a real eye-opener for me. At first, the bill seemed an important step forward in delivering on crucial infrastructure improvements for the Yellowknife Airport and further economic...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some analysts have taken a look at these, the most recent statistics, and seen that improving women's participation in the labour force might actually offset some declines. This could be an economic drive for getting more women into the work force. Will the Minister commit to applying that kind of gender-based analysis to things like Skills 4 Success and other government initiatives in her role of Minister for the Status of Women so we can start to see those benefits roll out in across the government approach to empowering women in the Northwest Territories across...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Those are concrete steps. I know this is a complicated topic. Another issue is that Canadian women are less likely to be employed. Nearly 10 per cent are less employed than men and are four times are more likely to work part-time compared to men. Often, this is due to child care. Does the Minister have any suggestions or proposals that this government will do to improve access to affordable child care in the Northwest Territories?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that it's a complex issue and the Minister is doing his best to explain it in a way that fits into the question period. Can you make a commitment, then, to let to us know when this recreational framework will be completed and start having an effect on recreational land leases for Yellowknife? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Should this bill move forward and the airport improvement plan be implemented, although obviously I do not support that, but should it move forward, I think the committee has provided balanced and sound recommendations to improve upon the government's plans for the Yellowknife Airport. I would encourage our colleagues across the aisle to support this and to implement the recommendations and ensure that this plan is held to the highest level of public scrutiny and has the greatest benefit economically to our residents. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 66)

The Recreational Land Use Planning Framework, does that only deal with recreational land, as its name would imply, or does it deal with all other types of land that would be subject to a land use plan?