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 , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Mr. Speaker, I'm not asking for all cosmetic surgeries to be covered. I'm asking for an exemption to be made based on this patient's specific situation. The Minister doesn't want to change the definition of what is and what isn't cosmetic, can she not move towards a system that ensures cosmetic surgeries based on patient-specific evaluation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you. And when is the planned evaluation going to be completed? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a 2016 study, which evaluated dozens of patients before and after body contouring and excess skin removal surgeries, found significant improvements in physical function and mobility and that prior to their operations, daily tasks were extremely difficult for these patients. I have a constituent in this circumstance. I have been spending quite a bit of time working with the Minister's office to no avail. There are no expectations for this person's -- this individual's case. Will the Minister correct this policy, which doesn't make any kind of common sense...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to take a moment to recognize two pages from Range Lake North School, Sophia Regidor and Arpi Ghalyan. Thank you very much for being here today.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And arising from those conversations, is there a mechanism, again, to provide -- to seek some sort of exemption or some sort of request for exemption or appeal for service based on the advice that a patient is getting from their medical provider? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you. And thank you for that. There's certainly opportunities with these changes, but there could be risks as well. If our tiny brewing company is put into a national wide market, they might be, you know, washed out by all the other brands out there. So what did -- will the Minister -- obviously details are scant. But will the Minister make sure that in these negotiations, we keep in mind that we have an industry here that is chugging along -- it's their tenth year in place -- and make sure that they are one part -- well, that they are part of the conversation and that their interests are...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, speaking of provincial trade barriers, alcohol is one of the most cherished areas of protection by provinces. That's why US beer, wine, and spirits are coming off the shelves because governments control what goes on those shelves for the most part in this country. Mr. Speaker, I'm not sure who to ask this to, but this direct sale -- direct-to-consumer sale system that's being proposed, can we get more details on that and how it will affect our businesses in the Northwest Territories that provide sales of alcohol to consumers? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, I'm curious as to why the Yukon feels they need to do this, but maybe that's something the Minister could speak to her territorial counterparts. I'm sure businesses would be assured by that. There are a number of other things we can do by eliminating the red tape, reducing fees and services, make it cheaper to do business for northern businesses and Canadian businesses. Will the Minister undertake to do that work, to find ways she can cut those fees and barriers to doing business in the Northwest Territories to protect Canada's interest in the NWT? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you for that. Thank you, Mr. Premier -- thank you to the Premier, Madam Chair. The men's healing program, real quick, how are the numbers looking for that? I know this is something the Minister and I worked with -- worked on way back in the day, and it's definitely important to our communities and to -- and in particular Indigenous folks who are, you know, as much victims in the system and cycle of violence as anyone else. This is a really good thing. I'm glad to see it in here but is it seeing success? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 51)

Thank you. And on the matter of trucking, we have trucking businesses in the Northwest Territories. They have access to these kinds of fast passes to get through provincial borders without paying dues they can reconcile at the end of the month. It expedites the whole process. Unfortunately, we can't certify that process here in the Northwest Territories, so businesses are looking -- have to base their operations outside of the Northwest Territories. Alberta seems to be the case in most areas. Is this something the Minister can correct and allow northern-based trucking companies and moving...