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:

Committees

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
Email
Email

Statements in Debates

Question 707-20(1): Collective Bargaining Rights in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Act is administered through the Department of Finance so that question would be certainly more relevant to be directed to the Minister of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 707-20(1): Collective Bargaining Rights in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the attorney general, I am unable to provide legal advice or legal opinions within the Legislative Assembly and as such I will not be able to answer the question regarding the impact to potential Charter rights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, today I have with me Brian Asmundson, acting director of legal registries with the Department of Justice. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm here today to present Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Partnership and Business Names Act.

Bill 18 will address an error made during amendments to the Partnership and Business Names Act in 2015 stating that a suspension of registrations is required while a registration is under review. This was not the intent of the change from 2015. Instead of stating that a decision is stayed, the legislation should say that a decision is not stayed during the review period to avoid unreasonable and unpredictable delays in registering business names. In addition, Bill 18 makes the...

Question 701-20(1): Unmarked Graves in Fort Resolution
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think the Premier has made it very clear in all of our mandate letters that that is certainly a priority and part of how we plan on doing business as a Premier and Cabinet to ensure that we are respecting all of those decisions and applying the appropriate measures. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 701-20(1): Unmarked Graves in Fort Resolution
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. You know, I know this is a very sensitive subject and, you know, the discovery of unmarked graves of former residential students is a deeply sensitive issue that we must approach with respect, dignity, empathy for the Indigenous communities involved and the families. You know, this is an area where, as an Indigenous person, my mother was a residential school survivor, I feel very deeply about this subject, and I am committed to working with everyone involved -- the community, the Member, the department of education, the...

Question 694-20(1): Targeted Amendments to Waters Act Regulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ECC is following the stepped approach outlined in the legislative developmental protocol and that is agreed to with the Intergovernmental Council. There's been several meetings to date. The most recent meeting of the technical working group happened actually earlier this week, and progress is certainly being made.

Now as the Minister of ECC, I can't directly lay out when this is going to be completed. This is a collaborative effort. It involves Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, the water boards, etcetera. So, you know, ensuring that we all...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Yes, please.

Bill 27: An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I give notice that on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, I will present Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 701-20(1): Unmarked Graves in Fort Resolution
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 58)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm totally committed to that. I have an open calendar this afternoon. I'd already scheduled a briefing on this topic with staff from the Department of Justice and ECC to get totally up to speed. I'm happy to put some time aside in my calendar this afternoon to meet with the Member and any of his leadership that are interested in having that meeting. And, again, I'll reiterate that I'm committed to working together with everyone that has an interest here in finding an expedited solution to advancing this issue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.