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 932-20(1): Federal Government Assault-Style Firearm Buyback Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the program is a federal initiative, and it will go forward in the Northwest Territories. It started -- I believe the initial process started in the middle of January. It will be administered by the Department of Public Safety at the federal level. My understanding is that they are going to bring in some reserve RCMP officers from outside the territory to help administer that across the Northwest Territories. Our focus from the GNWT perspective is that we have staff challenges with the RCMP across the territory, and we need to have our folks focused on our...

Question 931-20(1): Land Transfers to Support Economic Development and Investments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly recognize the opportunity here. I think it's a tremendous opportunity for the Northwest Territories as a whole. One of my priorities as Minister has been to focus on land and the ability to transfer land to communities. That's through collaborative work with housing, with MACA, to ensure that we are putting forward our resources in a way that maximizes those opportunities. We've added additional resources, and we've really gone on an effort to focus. Our primary focus was on housing, but it's very clear to me that working with the communities to...

Question 924-20(1): Status of Locksmiths, Security Guards and other Security Occupations Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to take a look at the act and see what's involved in bringing it to the floor or to review of committee, etcetera. But having no direct knowledge of it at this specific time, I will have to have an opportunity to review it first. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 36: Trespass to Property Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Nunakput, that Bill 36, Trespass to Property Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Trespass to Property Act is to enhance public safety and private property protections and will establish trespassing as a territorial offence. The bill will address significant gaps in trespassing law by creating a new law intended to govern trespass to private property, to schools, and to certain types of private interests on public lands, such as leases. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 917-20(1): Rayrock Minesite Remediation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department is not directly involved in the remediation of this site. You know, it is a collaborative effort between the Tlicho government and the Government of Canada. I think that, you know, we're happy to reach out and see if there is information available and direct the appropriate participant within the process to relay that -- ensure that information is relayed to the Tlicho government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 917-20(1): Rayrock Minesite Remediation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Rayrock site was -- there's a site there that's a 12-square-kilometer area around the former mine site. This site was excluded from the devolution agreements under Part B of section 7 and remains under the control of the Government of Canada. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 915-20(1): Environmental Securities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as part of the regulatory proceedings process, the board process approves the remediation plan as well as the associated securities of that plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 911-20(1): Environmental Securities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that's a question that really has a number of possible directions as to how it could be answered. Certainly, you know, at the end of the day we have securities that are set through the process which we hold as a government to ensure that we have resources to do that cleanup at the end of the day. Having said that, you know, we have processes here where we may come for supplemental appropriations if that was to exceed the budget that was available. But we would also look at other possible ways to ensure that that work is done in the most economical way to...

Bill 35: Miscellaneous Statutes Law Amendment Act, 2026, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Hay River North, that Bill 35, Miscellaneous Statutes Law Amendment Act, 2026, be read for the second time.

This bill corrects inconsistencies and errors in the statutes of the Northwest Territories. The bill also deals with other matters of a minor, noncontroversial, or uncomplicated nature in the statutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 432-20(1): Statement of Consistency for Bill 34: Trespass to Property Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 72)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents: Plain Language Summary for Bill 34: Trespass to Property Act; and, Statement of Consistency for Bill 34: Trespass to Property Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.