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

Member’s Statement on Commitment to Mandate and Strategic Economic INvestments
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 30)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the legacy I want to leave for the Northwest Territories is one where we are no longer the weakest economy in Canada's North, one where we are no longer the second-worst when it comes to social ills in this country. I want a Northwest Territories that is stronger going forward into the future and can be a leader for Canada and the entire circumpolar world.

We created a mandate together to take us there and that mandate is the centre piece of this 18th Assembly. If we are going to fulfill that mandate, then we need to start investing in that mandate. One...

Question 326-18(2): GNWT Fiscal Strategy
Debates of , 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 , 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 , 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.

QUESTION 312-18(2): MANAGED ALCOHOL PROGRAMS
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Again, thank you to the Minister for that. I'm pleased to hear there's a lot of work being done in this area. When can we expect it to be done?

QUESTION 312-18(2): MANAGED ALCOHOL PROGRAMS
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Minister of Health and Social Services indicate if this government is prepared to implement harm reduction programs such as managed alcohol programs? Has this issue been studied and would the department be prepared to implement them?

MEMBER'S STATEMENT ON MANAGED ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAMS
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. Again, the study also indicates that when taking into account the social costs of alcohol addicts who also face homelessness into account, there is an estimated savings of $1 for every dollar invested due to significant reductions in frequency of health, social and legal service utilization by participants. Later I will have questions for the Minister of Health on whether he supports a MAP program to give Northerners the support they need and save this government money through preventative programs rather than emergency services. Thank you, Mr...

QUESTION 312-18(2): MANAGED ALCOHOL PROGRAMS
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Could the Minister then commit to undertaking some study on the managed alcohol programs or harm reduction programs, such as INSITE in British Columbia and the successful managed alcohol program in Ottawa, and share those recommendations with Members of the Assembly? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION 312-18(2): MANAGED ALCOHOL PROGRAMS
Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Thank you to the Minister for that response. So would the department then be in a position to look at the situation in Yellowknife, with the recent media reports supporting this kind of approach, and be willing to discuss developing a pilot with local government officials to start taking some action on this cost-effective action?

Debates of , 18th Assembly, 2nd Session (day 29)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Alexander Lambrecht. He's the president of the Northern Territories Federation of Labour. It's good to have you here with us today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.