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

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Yes, Madam Chair.

Bill 45: Civil Forfeiture Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the Honourable Member of Hay River North, that Bill 45, Civil Forfeiture Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Civil Forfeiture Act will provide the GNWT with a way to disrupt the flow of money from criminal activity that is distinct from criminal prosecutions. The proposed bill will authorize the GNWT to pursue civil forfeiture of property obtained by or used in unlawful activity. This ensures that people engaged in unlawful activity do not profit from crime and reduces the likelihood they will engage in further criminal behaviour.

The proposed bill...

Question 1181-20(1): Land Tenure Applications
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's conversations that are going on right now with the city, with DND, you know, that relate to the theoretical possible investment in Yellowknife, according to the earlier comments. So, you know, we have really focused on this and working together with the city. I think this is a priority that we've -- the city has identified, we've identified. We've gone back, we've looked at what's currently available, what the interests of the parties are, what other areas will be required to support that investment. So we are certainly engaged in that conversation...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Yes, we are looking at what the path forward is to doing that under the summary conviction regulations. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Question 1181-20(1): Land Tenure Applications
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think the key -- one of the key positives of the MOU is the ability to communicate with the City of Yellowknife. We've had very good communications at our officials level. The city is bringing forward their asks and what they'd like to see. Our officials are looking for solutions that will improve the timeline through this process. We also have identified some potential positions in the -- when the budget is passed that will support the land transfer. And this is all part and parcel of ensuring that we are improving our timelines and responding more...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Madam Chair. That's a level of detail I don't have with me today, but certainly happy to get that information and get back to the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Motion 73-20(1): Strengthening the Government of the Northwest Territories' Medical Travel Policy, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Mr. Speaker, as this motion makes a recommendation to government, Cabinet will be abstaining from the vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Madam Chair. My apologies, I don't have the report open in front of me. Pardon me, Madam Chair. I apologize for that.

So there's the recommendation around the security guard. We'll definitely need some -- we'll need to analyze that and look at what that could possibly look like. Yeah, Madam Chair, I think that was the primary one that we had concern with. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Motion 72-20(1): Protection of Transboundary Waters and Rights of Northerners, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Mr. Speaker, as this motion makes a recommendation to government, Cabinet will be abstaining from the motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 89)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I appreciate the input from the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.