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 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I note on the detail page we've got the $33 million in college contributions. Does the department have a breakdown of what the cost per graduate is based on that level of funding? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 176-18(2): Addressing Homelessness in Yellowknife
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 16)

Certainly, the Minister is an expert in this field, and I respect her expertise, but I also am a Yellowknifer and I know that this problem is only getting worse, and when you look at the evidence-tested, proven methods that have worked across the country, Housing First is a clear model, a specific model that gives consumer choice and empowers people. That's what we are talking about today. I am wondering if the Minister will clarify her comments yesterday, this plan to expand the shelters to house 30 people. Construction will begin in the summer is what the Minister said yesterday. Can the...

Question 176-18(2): Addressing Homelessness in Yellowknife
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I asked questions to the Minister responsible for Homelessness about the Housing First plan. Unfortunately, the information we learned was incorrect. Housing First in the city of Yellowknife has made a commitment to house one person by the end of August 2016 this year, and 20 people over the life of the project, not just one person. I am wondering if today the Minister can explain why inaccurate information was provided to this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 16)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is the department soliciting or receiving feedback from people benefitting from the program?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is that individual income or total household income, the $80,000 ceiling I believe the deputy minister indicated? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. If the Minister could give us a firm date in August? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. My final question involves the heritage centres. Is that an actual increase to funding for heritage centres? Could the Minister indicate who accesses that funding and how it is used? I would just like to gain a better understanding. I know there is not a lot of well-celebrated heritage centres in the North, shall I say. It would be nice to see more of them roll out and take a bigger role in underpinning our tourism strategy and really promoting and preserving our cultures and minority languages as well. If we could just get a better understanding of how that money is used...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am not sure if my math adds up because not everything is clear what is going into the funding. Does the new arts operating funding, versus all these re-profiling, there has been no changes to funding? All funding remains intact from the previous year or has there been a reduction? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 168-18(2): Addressing Homelessness in Yellowknife
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister advise on a timeline for this plan to roll out and when we can expect to see the results and evaluate our success? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 168-18(2): Addressing Homelessness in Yellowknife
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 15)

I thank the Minister for her answer. Of course as the Minister knows, the point in time survey undertaken by the City of Yellowknife showed that on a per capita basis we have a significant problem in this community as large the City of Toronto, so I think it's safe to say much of what we see is in fact part of this issue. We've heard of these two working groups and the recommendations, but we have yet to know how that's going to take shape. How will these working groups… Or recommendations… How many chronic homeless persons will be housed as a result of these recommendations?