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 393-18(2): Regulation of Legalized Marijuana
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 36)

Thank you to the Minister for that very thorough response. I wonder, though, with all of our legislative priorities and privacy this government in a very large mandate document, do we have the capacity to accommodate a significant shift like this? The Minister just spoke of involving three departments, and if not more, in making all these changes, so is this working group analysing the kind of capacity it's going to take for our government to get up to speed? I would hate for Northerners to be in a legislative lurch while this change takes place and our government to be playing catch-up.

Question 393-18(2): Regulation of Legalized Marijuana
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister of Health. Does the Minister support a marijuana regulation regime for the Northwest Territories that both allows us to capture more taxation revenues and keep our kids safe from a substance that is very much out of control under the current prohibition regime? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement on Regulation of Legalized Marijuana
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 36)

Mr. Speaker, the federal government has committed to introduce legislation in the spring of 2017 to effectively legalize marijuana. During the meantime, they are looking at regulations with respect to production, distribution, and retail sale and consumption of marijuana. The market is adapting to pending changes, drawing in national and international investment that is already roughly created a medical marijuana industry valued at $200 million, and one that may grow 20-fold in the next five years.

To give you a clear example, Mr. Speaker, on October 6th a publicly traded marijuana company...

Question 393-18(2): Regulation of Legalized Marijuana
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you again to the Minister for that. I look forward to working with this government on that issue. Finally, a more technical point: does the department or the working group currently have any recommendations on the legal age or the minimum legal age is 25 or 19 or something else, or is it too soon to make that determination? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, recently there was a news release from the City of Yellowknife recommending certain changes to the City, Towns and Villages Act to allow them the flexibility to engage in certain initiatives like local improvement charges, hotel taxes, etc. These recommendations have been long supported by the NWT Association of Communities. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Municipal and Community Affairs today if the department plans to take action on that request from our municipal partners? Thank you.

Member's Statement on Support for Northern Manufacturing Sector
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 35)

Mr. Speaker, I have spoken before on the need to diversify our economy and I have always supported a key industry that can help achieve this goal, our northern manufacturing sector. If this government is truly committed to building a diversified and sustainable territorial economy that can be resilient in the face of volatile commodity cycles, then it must continue providing support for this sector in Yellowknife and throughout the NWT.

Mr. Speaker, for those who don't believe the NWT can support a viable manufacturing industry, I believe now is the time to break new ground and be ambitious, Mr...