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 717-20(1): Status of Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Our Land for the Future project has had a lot of significant work done. From the partners' table, all of the preparatory work in order to advance this initiative at the federal level has been complete, and we are currently waiting on an opportunity to meet with the federal government in the coming weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 708-20(1): Northwest Territories Trespass Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my answer last week on Thursday, I committed to sharing an update on the current process and where we were at which the department did share with all of the Members of this House on Friday. I am happy to be able to stand up here today and say that I've had a conversation with the Department of Justice this morning, and we have -- I've directed them to advance the Trespass Act on a more aggressive timeline than I had proposed last week and that work is underway. 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, that is still requesting a legal opinion from me as the attorney general, and I am unable to answer that question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 132-20(1): Strengthening Community Wildfire Preparedness
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Mr. Speaker, the 2025 wildfire season is now underway, and our team is ready to respond. Response is just one part of the equation. Readiness and preparedness are equally critical.

Following the 2023 season, the GNWT has enhanced its wildfire management program through strategic investments and initiatives. Today, I will update Members on the investments we have made that are helping us build a more prepared and resilient territory.

Mr. Speaker, for the first time, in partnership with the NWT Association of Communities, we sponsored all Indigenous governments and community governments to attend...

Tabled Document 345-20(): Northwest Territories Law Foundation 42nd Annual Report for the Period Ending June 30, 2024
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following two documents: Northwest Territories Law Foundation 42nd Annual Report and Legal Aid Commission of the Northwest Territories Annual Report 2023-2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I previously stated, you know, as the Minister, I cannot make a commitment to being able to provide a concrete timeline. I'm certainly happy to go back to the department and have a chat with our folks at the officials level and try and get a more focused projection of when things can be wrapped up on this file. I know we're committed, as well as the Indigenous governments, and the boards are very committed to getting this work done. You know, there are many things that were identified by the land and water boards that we're trying to address; we're...

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm very pleased to stand up today and appreciate the Member's thoroughness of returning with the question on a regular basis. I think this is an area that is very integral to the Northwest Territories and our ability to, you know, move things forward in a collaborative manner. The department is still committed to the phased approach for the amendments and the changes to the Waters Act for phase 1 being limited to the targeted amendments, and that work is well underway. And phase 2 being the more comprehensive review which will happen once the amendments...

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.