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
Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Kieron_Testart@ntassembly.ca
Phone
(867) 767-9143 (link is a phone number)
Extension
12150
Constituency Office
Email
Taylor_Pagotto@ntassembly.ca
Phone
867-447-0439(link is a phone number)

Statements in Debates

Question 341-18(2): North Slave Correctional Centre Inmate Escape
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 32)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning I spoke of an escape at the North Slave Correctional Centre. Mr. Speaker, what corrective actions have been taken to close the physical gap in security measures at the facility? Those questions are to the Minister of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation explain if the corporation is, in fact, overcharging by 114 per cent for the costs of power delivered to Northland Utilities for resale in the Yellowknife market? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Mr. Speaker, certainly the cost of power is high and that's exactly what we're talking about, and earlier I was pleased to hear the Minister set a new direction for the board to address this issue. Why are there three hydro rates, Mr. Speaker, and why is Yellowknife being charged the most out of those three? Thank you.

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure the Minister will find these correct once he looks into it, and Fort Smith, his home town, is probably the lowest. Does the Minister know how the Northwest Territories Power Corporation allocates its overhead and admin cost to each rate zone?

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Either way, the rates for power generation are far too high in the Northwest Territories. Making the North a more affordable place is an important priority for me and for every Member here. Can the Minister explain what this government is doing and how it's working with the Power Corporation to reduce the high cost of electricity? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Can the Minister also explain if the Yellowknife rates are being used to subsidize rates in other rate zones throughout the NWT?

Member's Statement on Yellowknife Power Rates
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Mr. Speaker, one of the priorities set by the mandate of the 18th Assembly is to address our high cost of living. Affordability is the number one issue for Yellowknifers and it affects everything from power, to housing, to even job opportunities. Recently, claims have been made that Yellowknife consumers are possibly being overcharged for power, and frankly, Mr. Speaker, if this is true, I find that most egregious.

Northland Utilities has been driving this public discussion and has stated that the Northwest Territories Power Corporation is overcharging the residents of Yellowknife by setting...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My comments are similar to the previous two speakers. It's great to see a very healthy number here in capital spending. We talk about investment in our economy and our communities, making the North safer, creating real opportunities for business employment, infrastructure is a great way to go. This is a substantial investment in the Northwest Territories.

That being said, there are a number of issues with the long-term outlook of this investment. We've heard it before, that there will be more investment when time comes, and infrastructure investment is the best way to...

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Mr. Speaker, we're currently subsidizing diesel communities in the thermal zones at the rate, the Yellowknife hydro rate, which as the Minister has confirmed is the highest rate. Why do we not use the lowest hydro rate, the Fort Smith rate, for these diesel subsidies, give a break to our smaller communities, and let them enjoy the benefits that the Minister enjoys back at home?

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. In each hydro rate zone, which holds the highest rate for consumers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.