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

Committee Motion 51-20(1): Concurrence of Tabled Document 193-20(1), Northwest Territories Capital Estimates 2025-2026, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I know we're -- thank you, Mr. Chair. I know we're in a rush to get to another very important piece of this committee's work, but we do need to -- this is a House of debate, and we should be debating things.

So I never have been a fan of our political process here, and I've never seen a concurrence motion been brought forward by the government House Leader, the Premier, the Finance Minister, any Member of Cabinet before. I think that's significant. And I just spoke to my honourable friend next to me, who has served a number of years more than I have, and neither he can...

Motion 44-20(1): Performance Audit of the Management and Governance of the NTHSSA, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think this motion speaks for itself, but I will add some facts to it.

When the NTHSSA, the health authority, was first established in 2016, it inherited an accumulated deficit of $51 million. In 2020, that deficit had grown to $94 million. As of March 31st, 2024, this year, the accumulated deficit stands at $272.9 million. Mr. Speaker, from that escalation, from the amalgamation of the authorities to now, we are on an ever increasing track of financially unsustainable model of health care delivery in the Northwest Territories to the point where our own...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Well, I appreciate that. I know some prospectors will appreciate the clarity on that, and I look forward to the successful roll out of these systems. Sometimes it feels like Elon Musk is going to get to Mars before we do, so. That's it for puns. Thank you for the update. Thanks.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Okay, thank you for the correction from the Minister. So are we still on track to have this implemented according to schedule? Thank you.

Question 395-20(1): Families with Adopted Children
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Finally, all social services has to offer support for adult children in this situation is through employment. We have excellent NGOs doing work like the disabilities council of Inclusion NWT, but you need to be employed to get the benefit. So what is the Minister -- what does the department do for adult children in the system, in care, that cannot find employment; how are they supported? Thank you.

Question 395-20(1): Families with Adopted Children
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well, knowing that, can the Minister explain why there's not a suite of services available to adult children -- or to children in social services who age into adulthood? There's no Pathfinders. There's -- it's very difficult to get information. I have constituents struggling to find answers. And when they're given, they're sent back to square one. So can the Minister find a way to make this process better and indicate if she'll make that commitment on the floor of the House? Thank you.

Member’s Statement 399-20(1): Report of the Auditor General of Canada to the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly – Stanton Territorial Hospital Renewal Project
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday, the Office of the Auditor General of Canada tabled its report on the Stanton renewal project. The conclusion is that the GNWT cannot show this project provided good money for -- good value for money. Decisions were made without evidence and analysis, including changing from a renovation to a new build. Documents were found missing, including conflict of interest forms. The GNWT's unable to approve that $71 million was spent on northern businesses as it had previously claimed. The list goes on, Mr. Speaker. Deputy auditor general Andrew Haze said he was, quote...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you. So the estimated completion is 2026-2027? Is that still what the Minister -- is that still in line with this project; will the project stick to that completion date? Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So I'd like to ask about the -- one of my favorite topics, the MARS system and to see where we're at. I note the costs continue to escalate on this project and so does the implementation date. So can the Minister provide an update to the House. Thank you.

Question 395-20(1): Families with Adopted Children
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 35)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will confirm with the Minister, because we have raised this with her office, but I -- we'll get to the bottom of that. But, Mr. Speaker, there is a paid -- a very successful paid pilot -- or paid community caregiver pilot project in the past, but it was discontinued due to lack of funds. This is a crucial support for these adult children in this situation. Can the Minister commit to bringing it back, or at least exploring the project to see if it could be brought back, within the next fiscal year? Thank you.