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

Question 864-20(1): Late Payments for Student Financial Assistance
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Member from Range Lake. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment.

Question 857-20(1): Residential Tenancies Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department was hoping to have the Act reviewed by the end of the summer of 2025, but this review has been delayed primarily due to capacity challenges, and really those key changes that we've made is we've really focused our resources on the three key pieces of community safety legislation - the Trespass Act, the SCAN legislation, and the Civil Forfeiture Act. And this has slowed the timeline for the review, conducting the review of the Residential Tenancies Act. We have started that work however, and there's plans to do engagement with stakeholders on...

Question 856-20(1): Supports for Jurors in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'll speak first primarily to the Yellowknife Courthouse, and we do have plans in the capital plan coming forward that part of that plan is to address a secure -- more secure parking area. I don't know specifically, as I sit here today, if that will include juror parking but certainly happy to take that away as well and look at what that could potentially look like, as well as -- you know, I'm familiar with very few courthouses across the Northwest Territories and what those facilities look like, but, again, I think in -- you know, our rapidly changing...

Question 856-20(1): Supports for Jurors in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently we are using the Employee Assistance Program as a support for jurors that are currently serving. And I certainly appreciate that jury duty is a -- you know, is an honour but also can be a very traumatic and challenging experience.

We are currently working on a new program that will come out hopefully in 2026. And I don't have the specific answer to that but I'm happy to get that information and provide it to the Member to focus in on the detail of that request. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 855-20(1): Crime Prevention in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, crime reduction and prevention is a key priority of the GNWT and a complex issue requiring community support and involvement. And I really want to emphasize that this is not anything that we can do alone. The GNWT can't solve this problem without working very closely with all of the other agencies across the NWT as well as with the communities, the Indigenous governments, the Indigenous organizations. It needs to be an all- hands-on-deck approach, Mr. Speaker. As Minister of Justice, you know, I'm responsible for setting the policy and priorities for 2024...

Bill 27: An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Kam Lake, that Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 854-20(1): Health of Northwest Territories Boreal Forest
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently, there are over a hundred climate stations operated by the GNWT and the federal government, so environment and climate change across the NWT. The GNWT has climate stations in every NWT community. And building from the landscape carbon workshop, the GNWT is coordinating efforts with partners, including Indigenous governments and researchers to develop landscape carbon roadmap for the Northwest Territories, and this roadmap will identify the next steps in research, monitoring, including western science, traditional knowledge, and local knowledge and...

Bill 23: An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Yellowknife South, that Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 854-20(1): Health of Northwest Territories Boreal Forest
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 69)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, historically, the Northwest Territories boreal forest has acted as a strong carbon sink, absorbing more carbon dioxide than it releases. Over recent research, combined with the effects of drought, wildfire, and permafrost thaw, it's weakening things and, you know, research was presented recently at the landscape carbon workshop in February of 2025 and, you know, as things move forward the cumulative effects of these recent fire seasons, particularly 2023 as the most severe season in our history, have shifted some areas of the boreal landscape from carbon...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here today to present Bill 24, An Act to Amend the Family Law Act, for consideration by Committee of the Whole.

Family law in Canada is an area of shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Bill 24 proposes amendments to the Northwest Territories Family Law Act that will bring it in line with changes to the federal Divorce Act that came into force in 2021.

Bill 24 is complementary to Bill 23, An Act to Amend the Children's Law Act, and therefore mirrors the amendments put forward in Bill 23 such as ensuring that the legislative...