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

Range Lake

Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box

1320

Email

Email

Phone

Extension

12150

Constituency Office

Email

Email

Phone

Statements in Debates

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have questions for the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation. In each hydro rate zone, which holds the highest rate for consumers? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Just to return to my first question, the Minister made a comment about overcharging by 115 per cent. The reality is it's a 100 per cent rate versus 114 per cent rate. So are Yellowknifers being charged 14 per cent more than other communities?

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation explain if the corporation is, in fact, overcharging by 114 per cent for the costs of power delivered to Northland Utilities for resale in the Yellowknife market? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Mr. Speaker, certainly the cost of power is high and that's exactly what we're talking about, and earlier I was pleased to hear the Minister set a new direction for the board to address this issue. Why are there three hydro rates, Mr. Speaker, and why is Yellowknife being charged the most out of those three? Thank you.

Question 336-18(2): Calculation of Power Rate

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure the Minister will find these correct once he looks into it, and Fort Smith, his home town, is probably the lowest. Does the Minister know how the Northwest Territories Power Corporation allocates its overhead and admin cost to each rate zone?

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Either way, the rates for power generation are far too high in the Northwest Territories. Making the North a more affordable place is an important priority for me and for every Member here. Can the Minister explain what this government is doing and how it's working with the Power Corporation to reduce the high cost of electricity? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 330-18(2): Power Generation Rates

Debates of October 17, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 31)

Can the Minister also explain if the Yellowknife rates are being used to subsidize rates in other rate zones throughout the NWT?

Question 326-18(2): GNWT Fiscal Strategy

Debates of October 14, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to ask the Finance Minister some questions. The Minister spoke about freeing up money to match federal investment. Yesterday, the Premier spoke about continuing to pursue, to support our strategic infrastructure corridors. Can we have some clarity on what kind of long-term projects we have for this $150 million? I think that's where the frustration comes from, Mr. Speaker, is that if we wait until the business plan cycle hits us, we have no idea where we're taking this government, and that's really what this conversation about the fiscal policy of this...

Question 317-18(2): Investment in Small Business

Debates of October 14, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 30)

Mr. Speaker, will the Minister commit to enhancing those programs or indicate whether or not those programs will be enhanced in the near future or will they stay the same? I appreciate that the department does a lot of work in this area, but, at a time, as the Minister indicated, where capital markets are tight, we need this investment. Is the department going to put more money into these opportunities, or are we keeping things status quo? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 317-18(2): Investment in Small Business

Debates of October 14, 2016 , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since 2013, the NWT has lost nearly a thousand smallmedium sized enterprises. What is the Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment doing to bring small business and entrepreneurs back to the Northwest Territories and invest in our private sector? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.