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 571-18(2): Territorial Electrical Power Generation Asset Expansion and Replacement
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess what I'm getting at, there's a growing infrastructure need for power generation. Our rates continue to go up. Our rate base is not increasing, given our low amount of population. Is this government going to prioritize power generation, and starting with the Taltson expansion. We know they've gone to Ottawa. We know they've had those discussions with our federal counterparts. Have we made any progress on that, and is the Minister prepared to announce a Taltson expansion deal by the end of this Assembly? Thank you.

Question 571-18(2): Territorial Electrical Power Generation Asset Expansion and Replacement
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

I would appreciate if the Minister could share that with us all. Does the Power Corporation have a plan to renew this infrastructure across the Territories?

Question 561-18(2): Public Engagement on Democratic Reform Initiatives
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the Minister sits on the Standing Committee of Rules and Procedures; they're currently looking at a report that recommends 43 changes to our electoral system. Is the Minister saying that he categorically refuses to acknowledge any of those recommendations and will not be proceeding with any of those changes, or is he only talking about proportional representation?

I think it's clear he answers that question. I'm not asking him to be the Prime Minister of Canada here and address a national concern; I'm asking him to address issues here at home. We do have this...

Question 561-18(2): Public Engagement on Democratic Reform Initiatives
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 52)

Thank you to the Minister. I'm thankful that we don't have a position because I didn't know about it and I don't think my honourable friends know about it as well.

Does the Minister feel that this is a discussion that we could bring forth to Northerners? Certainly, there are fewer constitutional challenges with proportional representation or alternative voting here in our jurisdiction. So is the Minister considering public engagement on democratic reform in the Northwest Territories?

Question 548-18(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Programs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Earlier, in recognition of visitors in the gallery, the Minister made the comment that, "We are listening to you. We are listening to the students." The students today, I heard them loud and clear outside the building, "We don't want any more cuts to education. We want northern education."

What is the Minister doing to ensure that we have quality access to madeinthenorth education programs? If this program isn't working, Mr. Speaker, why are we cutting it instead of redesigning it so it can be successful?

Question 548-18(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Programs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that this has been a topic of hot debate and an almost consistent feature of question period, but I do want to ask the Minister of Education, just firmly on the record, if he can answer: why has Aurora College decided to discontinue the Social Work Diploma and the Teacher Education Program? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member’s statement on 2017-2018 Budget Process
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of Health replied to the Budget Address and spoke to some of the comments that my honourable friends have made over the past week and a half. It is clear, Mr. Speaker, that this is not the ideal budget for anyone on either side of the House, and we have not achieved consensus on this budgeting process.

What is equally clear is that there is some confusion over what both sides want to achieve with this. The goal is simple: the best possible budget that invests in Northerners and ensures that their future is a sound future and that they...

Committee Motion 48-18(2): Tabled Document 261-18(2): Main Estimates 2017-2018, Health and Social Services, Deferral of Community Health Programs Activity, Carried
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the Chair leave and report progress.

Question 548-18(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Programs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Apart from encouraging students to work harder so they can graduate in greater numbers than before and reminding them that they can access Student Financial Assistance to go to programs down south, what is the Minister doing to help these students today who are not yet in the program but were looking forward to taking it? The high school students, the community access students, who wanted to pursue this in the future now may not have that opportunity. How are we helping them get education here in the Northwest Territories, in the programs that they have...

Question 548-18(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Programs
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 51)

Would the Minister agree with me that, in light of the lack of a new strategic plan for Aurora College, where many of the longterm goals of the college are still undecided, it is unadvisable to cut crucial programs like social work and education at this time?