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
867-920-4066
Cell
867-447-0439

Statements in Debates

Question 499-48(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Does this move by the college fit into the mandate of this Assembly and the direction it has set?

One of the things a Northern Social Work degree can do is help implement the TRC recommendations and help with the stated goals of reconciliation. I know firsthand that one of my constituents would prefer to work with an Indigenous social worker, with recent dealings with the health system. Does this move fit into the mandate? Can the Minister be clear in how it fits into the mandate, to cancel this program?

Question 499-48(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

What direction has the Minister given to Aurora College for its programming offerings and overall direction ahead of the strategic plan being released?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd also like to recognize Ms. Arlene Hache, a tenacious advocate for those in need in society and also a member of the Order of Canada. She's brought great distinction to the Northwest Territories for her years of work and great distinction to our House for being here today. Thank you.

Question 507-18(2): Junior Kindergarten Implementation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

This information seems to be very new to both the public and honourable Members of this House. Can the Minister provide more detail? This $900,000 internal transfer; where is that coming from? What other programs are being impacted by this new money that's being reallocated to junior kindergarten?

Question 499-48(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, why are these decisions being made ahead of the strategic plan? I listed a number of them in my Member's statement, but we've seen a heavy equipment operators' facility, the termination of this diploma, aligning Aurora College with the labour market forecasting. These seem like strategic moves, so why are we making these decisions and reducing the contribution to Aurora College ahead of the release of the strategic plan? It seems like we are rushing to make changes without letting the public and Members of this House know exactly what is happening with our...

Question 499-48(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Thank you to the Minister for that. It's good that we're giving more handson direction to the college, as they take a lot of our funding and, in fact, nearly all of our postsecondary education funding to provide these services.

Mr. Speaker, does the Minister believe that the college is properly resourced? Could the $3million reduction that's being proposed in this budget have anything to do with the termination of programs such as the Social Work Diploma degree?

Question 499-48(2): Proposed Elimination of Aurora College Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in my Member's statement I spoke of the Aurora College. The Aurora College has reached the termination of their Social Work Diploma program. I wonder if the Minster can provide some detail on that and why that decision was made, Mr. Speaker?

Member's Statement on Proposed Elimination of the Social Work Diploma Program
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, post-secondary education in the Northwest Territories is very important to me. I believe it is a way we can bring transformational change to the Northwest Territories and give a real future for our residents, and invest in our young people, allowing them to pursue opportunities here at home in the North and not have to leave to the South.

I've been quite dismayed to learn from constituents and students at the college that they were abruptly told the Social Work Diploma program has been cut from Aurora College and will be phased out by 2019. This has caused a...

Question 507-18(2): Junior Kindergarten Implementation
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 47)

Maybe I'll be a bit more clear. The money that's being re-profiled to junior kindergarten, where is it coming from within the department? I understand that it may not impact in schools, but what government program delivery in the department is it impacting?

Mr. Testart's Reply
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 46)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the honourable Members who have spoken before me, both today and tomorrow. Their comments are important to hear.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Minister of Finance delivered the muchanticipated 20172018 Budget Address, setting the stage for the coming weeks of budget deliberations in this House. It is a relief that this information is at long last made public so that our constituents can now know the full extent of what the government is proposing to do with their tax dollars and provide the programs and services they have come to expect.

As honourable...