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 59)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I notice that contract services has decreased from a high of $1 million in 201516 down to $365,000. Could the Minister explain that variance? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to recognize Ms. Deneen Everett, the executive director for the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce. She does incredible work for that organization, and I always appreciate the strong partnership she works to develop between many levels of government and the business community here, in Yellowknife. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So again, is this going to be implemented in the fall through the capital budget or is it simply in the capital planning process? I am wondering when, again, my constituents will have certainty that this problem is solved. There are more houses going in right next to the jail every day, it seems like. It is a growing neighbourhood and I want to make sure that the people of Kam Lake have certainty that the facility that is right next to their families is a secure facility. So can we have certainty that this is moving along in this capital budget or if we are merely saying...

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

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am all for brevity, but I was hoping the Minister could give a bit more detail than just it is increasingly complex. Kam Lakers need better answers than that, so I will turn it back to the Minister, if you do not mind, and get a bit more detail on these complexities. How much are they going to cost, and if the department is in a position to make these necessary improvements to keep my constituents safe? Thank you.

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

Does the Minister believe that there is a sufficient number of court workers to handle the Legal Aid client caseloads that are currently facing the Commission? Thank you

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I would like to thank my colleague, the honourable Member for Nahendeh, for summarizing the shared concerns of the Standing Committee on Priorities and Planning. I always appreciate the opportunity to talk about my public service alma mater, the Department of Justice. They do some incredible work. In many ways, the department has a unique role in the integrated case management and other restorative justice programs like that, and community justice-based programs where they can take the work of the other social envelope committees and bring them together. I think the...

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So I'll just put it a bit more plainly. If there was no reduction exercise asked of the department, would this funding have been cut? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Has the department spoken to Nunavut and seen how they have accommodated the shift in their court services function? Thank you.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think perhaps that speaks to the state of our economy right now, which is regrettable, but I think we need to ensure we have robust inspections even at a time of economic decline so we can maintain a high level of public certainty that we are ensuring our environment is protected and the people who use that environment are equally protected.

Snap Lake went to care and maintenance before this cut, so is that part of the reason the budget has been decreased, because one of our diamond mines has ceased full operations? Thank you.