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 1139-20(1): Landlord Obligations under Section 30 of the Residential Tenancies Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 87)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I would say yes to that, Mr. Speaker. There will be an in-depth policy analysis and an engagement with the stakeholders will occur as we look at the potential amendments to the RTA in the 21st Assembly. And I will say, you know, this is something that we need to do it right, so we want to ensure that we're taking the time to do the pre-work so that when we go on to that level of work we're doing it right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1136-20(1): Training Standards for Northwest Territories Security Guards
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 87)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think at this point, as we do not have any governing legislation in this area, I think certainly, you know, our ability to work with our communities, with our Indigenous partners, with our Indigenous organizations, and the GNWT across the NWT, you know, we're having conversations with those companies that are providing this service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1136-20(1): Training Standards for Northwest Territories Security Guards
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 87)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I did commit to the Member that I would share the information that was available on this issue, and I will commit to the Member to follow up with the department. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Point of Order
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 86)

Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order on Private Member Bill 29, First Responders' Workers' Compensation Act. The point of order relates to Rule 1.2(i) of the Rules of the Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly and the parliamentary convention across Westminster-style Parliaments which prohibits Private Members' bills from requiring expenditure of public funds. I am rising at the first opportunity in the House now that the standing committee studying the bill has reported the bill, as reprinted, back to the House as ready for consideration in Committee of the Whole.

To be clear, we...

Question 1129-20(1): Capacity of Adult Correctional Facilities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 86)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are provisions within the facility to allow some doubling up of inmates and to help to increase capacity. Currently, we are looking at -- full capacity is 207 inmates, and we currently have 139 male inmates and two female inmates. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Bill 45: Civil Forfeiture Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 86)

Mr. Speaker, I give notice on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, I will present Bill 45, Civil Forfeiture Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1129-20(1): Capacity of Adult Correctional Facilities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 86)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are -- within our system, we currently take inmates from other jurisdictions. So there are some federal inmates. There are some inmates from Nunavut. So if the capacity requirement for inmates from the Northwest Territories was to rise, we would have to go back and look at the agreements we have with the other jurisdictions and focus on the requirements of the territory first. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1129-20(1): Capacity of Adult Correctional Facilities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 86)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have not looked at the current numbers. The numbers within the facility fluctuate on a daily basis, and I am certainly given consistent information on that plan. Currently, we're are looking at some changes to the facility in Hay River to allow another grade of inmate to participate in the programming in that facility, and that will help us to address the capacity challenges. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1112-20(1): Transboundary Water Agreements
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 85)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think as we sit, you know, here in the fourth year of drought, certainly, you know, the climate impacts are top of mind, and they'll certainly do reach out and impact the other discussion topics around development in the jurisdictions that are upstream of the Northwest Territories.

I will use the proposed Peace nuclear facility as an example here in that, you know, we are currently involved in the federal impact assessment, providing information. We are currently lobbying with Energy Alberta, the federal and provincial government on behalf of the...

Question 1105-20(1): Transboundary Water Agreements
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 85)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can start off by saying I certainly share the concerns of the MLA and also the concerns of our Indigenous governments and our Indigenous organizations and the citizens of the territory when we talk about, you know, the potential impacts of the activity in the upstream jurisdictions. You know, this is why we've negotiated and implemented our transboundary waters agreements. I think they're the key tool that we currently work with Alberta, British Columbia, and the Yukon. We're currently negotiating an agreement with Saskatchewan and, you know, we have this...