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

Kieron Testart
Range Lake
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Extension
12150
Constituency Office
Email
Phone

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

All right. One more, Mr. Speaker, and thank you. If there was data that showed that the arsenic levels in Kam Lake were over 52 parts per billion, would a public health advisory be issued by the department and would people know in Kam Lake immediately that there was a concern and that they should avoid it?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

I believe I have made my case for moving this out of this activity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. In my role as chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations, our committee is responsible for reviewing the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs' business plan and proposed initiatives. We have spent time with this department, both in business planning and more recently, and perhaps of higher priority, the recent report of the Auditor General of Canada.

The Standing Committee on Government Operations and the Committee on Priority and Planning are pleased to see the department produce an action plan and put a high degree of priority on that action plan...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier in the sitting I asked questions about the environmental integrity of Kam Lake, the namesake of my riding. I am wondering if today the Minister of Health could answer some questions I have around a 2016 public health advisory around arsenic. That study recommended that Northerners not eat fish or drink the water in Frame Lake or Jackfish Lake, and cleared Yellowknife River, Great Slave Lake, Long Lake, a variety of bodies of waters. Unfortunately, Kam Lake was not included there, so I am wondering if the Minister today can advise on the relative...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the Minister. I could not have said it better myself. The standing committee completely agrees. Will it remain in this department or return to the Executive where it can serve more of a central stabilizing role for our non-government partners? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I suppose that speaks to the state of our oil and gas industry, which is disappointing. I notice that the Witness Expense Assistance Program is no longer accounted for, or it doesn't seem to have any revenues. I am assuming that line item is rolled into another program. Is that correct, or has that source of revenue been eliminated?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will leave this issue, but I will say I appreciate where the Minister is coming from. This government has made unilateral funding decisions, not necessarily in this department but in other departments, without necessarily talking to our partners. So I think, if we can provide the service for less and find greater efficiency, which is what my suggestion is we can do with LGANT, then it's beholden on us to look at that opportunity and see if it can be made a reality if it doesn't compromise service delivery.

So I'll just leave that with the Minister and hope that one day...

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Can the Minister explain what operator licenses the Department of Justice is earning regulatory revenue on? Thank you.

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So just vis-a-vis my suggestion that LGANT might be in a better position to deliver these services for less, how long will this funding last and when could this government start considering making changes to the delivery of these programs?

Are we locked in for four years or are we locked in for one? What is the length of this funding and how long is it limiting our ability to make changes to the school community government activity? Thank you

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Is the legislation division working at full capacity currently? There have been comments made previously in this review and in the House on the slow pace of legislation, so I am wondering if we are using this division to the fullest of its ability, as the Minister says it is sufficient at current numbers. Are all of our drafters currently being utilized to the fullness of their capacity? Thank you.