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, 3rd Session (day 62)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to get at what I think is the real heart of this issue. This is not a shortfall created by any other calculation than the one that the GNWT has created for itself to follow, with consultation from the NWTAC. Is that correct? Thank you.

Bill 29: an Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your committee would like to report on its consideration of Bill 29, an Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Bill 29 received second reading in the Legislative Assembly on October 30, 2018 and was referred to the Standing Committee on Government Operations for review.

To permit time for the legislative drafters to complete the proposed amendments, I would like to advise the House of the committee's wish to extend our review of the bill, with the intention of reporting back to the House on or before March 11, 2019. Therefore, Mr. Speaker...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Nothing further, noting the clock. Thank you.

Question 632-18(3): Community Government Funding Gaps
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

I agree. We need to support all of our communities and work together to do that, but this funding gap is no one's responsibility but the Minister's, so I am going to ask: what is he actually doing to address the other shortfalls? We have a plan for water and sewer or environmental that is 50 percent complete. It shouldn't be too hard to fill the other 50 percent, but the vast majority of the funding, there is no plan. What is the Minister doing to address this?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

First, I thank the Minister for looking into it. I think the point here is that, if we have legislation that protects consumers and has had proven success in the past in doing that, then we should be looking at how we can advance that. I don't think a lot of people know about their rights under that act or what the department does in this regard. I would like to know why the appropriation has been reduced this year or why the budget has been reduced for this function this year. Thank you.

Question 632-18(3): Community Government Funding Gaps
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier today the Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs delivered a statement on community government funding. I would like to question some of the contents of that statement. We see the total gap. We see the $8.3 million that the government has invested into this funding gap, and we have a lot of talk about a 50 percent, covering the gap by 50 percent, all this progress that was made. However, the largest pot of funding that remains unresolved is infrastructure, so how much progress has the Minister made on closing that gap?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

How many people or positions are employed by this program? Thank you.

Question 626-18(3): Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Is the Minister going to implement the tax, then?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I want to ask about the consumer affairs program. Can we get a bit more detail on how this appropriation supports consumer rights in the Northwest Territories? Thank you.

Question 626-18(3): Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 62)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier in the sitting, the honourable Minister of Finance was asked questions around the consultations related to the proposed sugar tax. Looking now, I see that the engagement is closed. I am wondering if the Minister can update the House as to when the results of the consultation will be made publicly available. Thank you.