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

Member Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier, my colleague asked questions about what we are doing to support diversity and specifically LGBTQ issues within our classrooms. My questions today are for the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment. I am wondering what resources the government has committed to LGBTQ communities outside of the classroom in our general communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. When does the department anticipate that they’ll have some results to share with the public and Members of this House or a complete… Or, if we’re not ready for results, then perhaps that final piece, the evaluation framework?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on July 20, 2005, marriage equality, a fundamental right guaranteed to all, was embraced in this country when the Government of Canada ended the unfair restrictions and allowed straight and LGBTQ Canadians to choose who they love and to have their love recognized legally. Today, the NWT is home to a vibrant LGBTQ community who serve as tireless advocates of their community and who contribute greatly to our distinct society.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to be living in an age where Northerners have the freedom to love who they want and openly celebrate their...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Same question, Mr. Chair. Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Does the department provide funding or operate a crisis intervention hotline with frontline staff who are prepared to assist people experiencing a mental health crisis? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the Minister for his answer. Is suicide prevention encompassed in this line item, this community mental health and addictions, are suicide prevention programs? Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Nothing further, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I wanted to follow-up with some questions about the Metis health benefits. I think my colleague covered the funding aspects and the legal requirement to move on it quite well. I’ve heard there’s a concern from some people that the quality of prospective benefits that the federal government’s now obliged to offer won’t be of the same quality that we currently provide. I guess my question is, will we be using any incoming funding to… Will we lapse our program and just take the new federal program or will we find some way to maintain the benefits? Can we give people...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that committee report progress.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 19)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thanks to the Minister for his answer. I appreciate his efforts on this. I think as the Minister responsible for Youth, we do need to do a great deal of youth outreach, moving forward, in the territory to combat some of these very high statistics we have in the North for violence, addictions, and also to make vulnerable communities feel safe. Could the Minister commit to spending some of his time as Minister responsible for Youth to address this with a strategy or an action plan or some form of tangible measure? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.