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
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Extension
12150
Constituency Office
Email
Email
Phone
867-447-0439

Statements in Debates

Question 258-18(3): Future of Aurora College and Northern Post-Secondary Education
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 26)

I'm not advocating that the public funding for the Aurora College be cut; far from it. There are other universities in Canada that receive public funding, but are independent academic institutions. So can the Minister reassure me and others that, for the nearly $30 million we invest in Aurora College's operations, we are delivering the highest-quality programs that can stand up in other jurisdictions, without proper accreditation? Can the Minister confirm that what the students are learning at Aurora College can be used elsewhere in Canada?

Member's Statement on Accreditation of Post-Secondary Education Institutions
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 26)

Merci, Monsieur le President. The Department of Education, Culture and Employment recently released a discussion paper on Governance of Post-Secondary Education in the Northwest Territories, a discussion paper that I've been eagerly awaiting for some time given my commitment to accountable and relevant post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories.

The mandate of our Government states that the GNWT will begin to "expand opportunities for post-secondary education, trades-oriented learning, and northern education institutions." This discussion paper contains some important statements. The...

Bill 11: Supplementary Appropriation Act (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to request a recorded vote.

Committee Motion 37-18(3): Concurrence of Tabled Document 140-18(3): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2018-2019, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that consideration of Tabled Document 140-18(3) Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 1, 2018-2019 now be concluded, and that Tabled Document 140-18(3) be reported and recommended as ready for further consideration in formal session to the form of an appropriation bill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 35-18(3): Concurrence of Tabled Document 135-18(3): Supplementary Estimates (Infrastructure Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you. Can the Minister just quickly explain the difference between the two, the 10-year framework and the three-year funding plan? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just wanted to speak to, it's not a question, it's just a comment. I support these supplementary estimates or the requested appropriation, in particular, the $1.5 million for the purchase of four portables at St. Joseph School. That school is in my riding. It's the largest elementary school in the Northwest Territories. I have risen in this House before to speak about the space needs of the school. This is something that this school district was looking to bring forward, so I'm very pleased that the government is providing assistance to the School District of...

Question 256-18(3): Nuclear Energy
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for responding on an area that there is not much meat on the bones, so to speak. There is a public concern over the use of this technology. I think we are reminded of some public engagement that went on earlier in this term. Clearly, if this is the way of the future, and the Minister is confident that the industry is moving in this area, and the economy is moving in this area, is he willing to commit to put a discussion paper together or some talking points that could be shared with the public so we can get Northerners in on the conversation and...

Question 256-18(3): Nuclear Energy
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you to the Minister for clearing that up. I am glad that this government is on the case. I think nuclear is one of those areas of energy that gets a bad rep because of some very high-profile global disasters, but that shouldn't persuade us away from looking at the potential. Canada has had nuclear reactors operators in southern provinces for many years, such as in Ontario, who has a famously successful nuclear program that hasn't had any major problems.

I would like to ask the Minister if he is aware of any territorial jurisdiction that could allow us to pursue our own nuclear program...

Question 248-18(3): Carbon Tax Plan
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that assurance. As the Minister knows, the Prime Minister of Canada committed to allow the NWT to keep all the revenues raised from the carbon tax. I have heard the Minister say that there is going to be a program that will mitigate any new taxes that will impact our already too high cost of living, but that other important piece of public policy is leading the way forward to a green economy with renewable energies and less carbon-intensive industry. Is the Minister proposing a carbon plan that will do that as well? Because the only thing I heard in his...

Committee Motion 36-18(3): Concurrence of Tabled Document 136-18(3): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures), No. 4, 2017-2018, CARRIED
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 3rd Session (day 25)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the chairman of the Committee of the Whole leave the chair and report progress. Thank you.