Jay Macdonald

Member Thebacha

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Jay Macdonald was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Thebacha. Mr. Macdonald was elected to the Executive Council of the 20th Assembly.

Mr. Macdonald was born on June 26, 1964, in the town of Hay River, Northwest Territories. As an Indigenous Métis, Jay's roots run deep in the Northern Canadian landscape, and his journey has been marked by diverse experiences that have enriched both his personal and professional life.

Mr. Macdonald’s family relocated to Fort Smith in 1970. Mr. Macdonald successfully managed his small engine repair shop, providing essential services to the community and establishing himself as a reliable entrepreneur. Simultaneously, he delved into the intricacies of recreation facility management, overseeing operations at the local arena and golf course.

In his 13-year tenure as the Manager of Forest Management Services with the Environment and Conservation Division of the Government of the Northwest Territories, Mr. Macdonald demonstrated an unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mr. Macdonald’s dedication to youth development is evident in his 12-year role as the House Parent Program Coordinator for the Western Arctic Leadership Program. For five years, he served as a house parent, providing a nurturing environment for students from Lutsel Ke attending PWK High School. This experience not only showcased his compassion but also contributed significantly to the academic and personal growth of the students under his care.

Drawing on his expertise as a Journey Person Small Equipment Technician, Mr. Macdonald spent 13 years managing a Polaris dealership and served as an Instructor for Small Equipment Maintenance, Aviation Fuel Management, and Logistics disciplines under the Incident Command System.

Mr. Macdonald’s commitment to community extends beyond his professional roles. As a dedicated volunteer, he served as President and Coach of Fort Smith Minor Hockey, nurturing young talent and instilling the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. His coaching prowess extended to the national stage as he led Team NWT at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships.

In his role as a representative of the Fort Smith Métis Nation on the local District Education Association Board, Mr. Macdonald contributed to shaping educational policies that reflect the unique needs of the community. Additionally, he served as a Board Member and Chair of the Northwest Territories Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Board, advocating for the recognition and advancement of skilled trades.

Mr. Macdonald’s commitment to community welfare is further evidenced by his involvement in various local activities and events. Whether coaching minor sports or contributing to volunteer initiatives, he has consistently worked towards creating a vibrant and cohesive community fabric.

Outside of his professional and community engagements, Mr. Macdonald has a full family life. He is married to Karen, is a proud father to three children, and a doting grandfather to three grandchildren.

In his leisure time, Jay indulges in hobbies that reflect his love for the outdoors. Golfing, fishing, gardening, and enjoying the vast Northern landscapes are among his favorite pastimes.

Thebacha Electoral District:

Committees

Member Jay MacDonald, Minister MacDonald
Thebacha
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister
Email
Email

Statements in Debates

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the tower in Enterprise was a manned tower which recently the incumbent in the position resigned within the last couple of seasons. Since that time, cameras have been placed on the tower in Enterprise, and the position has been transitioned into Hay River and turned into a monitoring role to assist with the monitoring of the many camera sites across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 60-20(1): 2024 Wildfire Season
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the 2024 wildfire season, we are reminded of the challenges we faced, including those we have lost protecting the Northwest Territories. I would like to start by honouring the memory of pilot Tom Frith, who made the ultimate sacrifice while working to safeguard the community of Fort Good Hope this summer. His selfless dedication is an example of the courage and commitment exemplified by the wildfire management team. To Tom's family, friends and colleagues, our hearts are with you, and we share in your grief. His legacy will continue to inspire us.

I also want to...

Tabled Document 157-20(1): Follow-up letter for Oral Question 256-20(1): Nutrition North Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier and the Minister of Justice, I wish to table the following 14 documents: Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 2-20(1): Standing Committee on Social Development Report on Bill 2: Missing Persons Act; Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 3-20(1): Report on the Review of the 2022-2023 Annual Report of the Northwest Territories Information and Privacy Commissioner; Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee Report 5-20(1): Report on the Review of the 2022-2023 Annual Report of...

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. As we look at our current array of inventory towers across the Northwest Territories, many of this infrastructure was inherited from the federal government and much of the infrastructure currently doesn't meet the standards to be in service. So we've looked at many opportunities to use technology across the NWT as part of a larger plan and part of the plan is associated with the funding dollars that were provided from the federal government. So part of this plan involves putting towers in and around communities and areas of...

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for the question.

Currently, we have 11 fire towers across the Northwest Territories. Nine of those are camera-based towers. One of the towers is -- two of the towers are located in the Nahendeh riding, one in Fort Liard, and one in Somba K'e. The Fort Liard tower is person operated as well as the one in Somba K'e. It is a unique situation. It also has cameras attached to it primarily for this season in that the person that holds that position was on leave for the 2024 season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 164-20(1): Follow-up for Oral Question 297-20(1): Wellness and Addictions Recommendations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services, I wish to table the following seven documents: Additional Information for Return to Written Question 6-20(1): Agency Nurses; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 215-20(1): Use of Agency Nurses; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 244-20(1): Transitional Housing Pilot Project; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 249-20(1): Clients' Medical Records Required for Medical Travel; Follow-up for Oral Question 280-20(1): Apply for a Name Change; Follow-up for Oral Question 284-20(1): Mental Health Training; Follow-up for Oral Question...

Tabled Document 143-20(1): Northwest Territories Species at Risk Committee Annual Report 2023-2024
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following seven documents: Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Motion 29-20(1): Municipal Block Land Transfer; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 205-20(1): Climate Change; Additional Follow-up letter for Oral Question 205-20(1): Climate Change; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 216-20(1): Guardians of the Land Program; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 278-20(1): Disaster Assistance Programs for Traditional Cabin Owners; Conference of Management Authorities Species at Risk Annual Report 2023-2024, and Northwest Territories Species...

Question 295-20(1): Lands Staff in Sahtu
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we pursue filling these vacant positions, we have been using the staff from -- the regional staff from the -- my apologies, sorry. There are ECC staff in the region that have the capacity to assist with the work on the lands files. As well as the staff are getting support from regional staff in other locations to assist with that work. Some of the work is also being supported by staff from headquarters in Yellowknife. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 295-20(1): Lands Staff in Sahtu
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there have been a high rate of turnover in staff in the Sahtu over the last year post merger. Currently, there are six vacancies within the department, and one that will be filled shortly with a casual in the short term. And there's active recruiting going on to fill the other positions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 130-20(1): NWT Surface Rights Board Operating Budget
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents: Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Committee report 62-19(2), Report on the Review of Bill 74: Forest Act; and, NWT Surface Rights Board 2024-2025 Operating Budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.