Jay Macdonald

Member Thebacha

Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister of Justice
Government House Leader

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:

Jay 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's Office
Email
Email

Statements in Debates

Motion 77-20(1): Establishment of a Comprehensive Territorial Crime Reduction Strategy, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 91)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as this motion directs Cabinet, we will be abstaining from the vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1207-20(1): Improving Accumulative Impact Assessments from the Environment Audit
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 91)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we're currently working on some policy documents that will help to guide, you know, all-weather roads through caribou habitat. So this work is ongoing. Currently there's no defined route for the Arctic Energy Security Corridor so very hard to answer specifically until a route is developed. But certainly, you know, the Bathurst and all of the caribou in the Northwest Territories are top of mind, and we are certainly looking at all of the potential impacts and how we can mitigate those along by working with our Indigenous partners all across the North. Thank...

Return to Oral Question 1189-20(1): Cemetery Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 91)

Mr. Speaker, I have a Return to Oral Question 1189-20(1) asked by the Member for Yellowknife Centre on March 6, 2026, regarding the cemetery legislation.

The GNWT works with Indigenous communities and the federal government to identify and document residential school burial locations and there are special provisions for the protection of burial sites in the Archaeological Sites Regulations administered by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

The Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, and Tlicho Agreement all address...

Question 1207-20(1): Improving Accumulative Impact Assessments from the Environment Audit
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 91)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, so that project, it was initiated in 2023 as the Member has indicated. It never did get off the ground in a meaningful way, so the budget and the resources that were assigned to the project have now been reassigned to individual Indigenous governments to address and work on areas of concern directly related to the Arctic Energy and Security Corridor. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1207-20(1): Improving Accumulative Impact Assessments from the Environment Audit
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 91)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Cumulative Impact Assessment program is a key part of environmental assessment in the Northwest Territories, and certainly the work that's done in that area is very important and really informs development all across the North and certainly with all of the economic opportunities that we have certainly sitting in front of us right now. So what the department has done is we have focused on our collaborative effort, along with the Mackenzie Valley land and water boards, and focusing our program resources to more information sharing and working together...

Question 1191-20(1): Waters Act Amendments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the specific process of the next step, I don't have that information currently with me today, but I will be happy to relay that to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1191-20(1): Waters Act Amendments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as we've worked through, we've committed to a three-phase process on the Waters Act itself. We're currently working through phase one. A tremendous amount of work has been completed in phase one, and we are very -- unfortunately, I cannot give a specific date, but we are very, very close to moving through the first part of our process in phase one and hope to have those available very shortly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Member's Statement 994-20(1): Reflections
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Mr. Speaker, as we come to the close of what has truly been a marathon sitting of this Assembly, I would like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude.

First and foremost, I want to thank my wife and my family. Like the families of every Member in this House, they make the real sacrifice so that we can be here doing the work for the people of the Northwest Territories. Time away from home is never easy and their patience, understanding, and encouragement make it possible for me to serve the residents of Thebacha and all Northerners. I know every Member here shares the same appreciation...

Bill 34: Trespass to Property Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River South, that Bill 34, Trespass to Property Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1191-20(1): Waters Act Amendments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, so as the target amendments have gone through the working group process, there were a couple of items that were still unresolved that the working group was attempting to complete and as soon as those are complete, that process will be complete as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.