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

Committee Motion 83-20(1): Deferral Motion – Tabled Document 385-20(1): 2026-2027 Capital Estimates – Department of Infrastructure – Deferral of Estimates, carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, this is a project that's going to be tendered in the not too distant future, and it would provide information that we wouldn't necessarily release to the public. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 844-20(1): Transfer of Commissioner’s Lands within Municipal Boundaries
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that's not data that I currently have in front of me but happy to collect that and get it back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Committee Motion 83-20(1): Deferral Motion – Tabled Document 385-20(1): 2026-2027 Capital Estimates – Department of Infrastructure – Deferral of Estimates, carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the network originally was designed primarily around forest fire detection and formulated around that. Over the last number of years, it has expanded to include other departments. There's some detection units with infrastructure that monitors highway conditions. There's some with ITI. And as I said, it's more of an overall climate focus. So we've actually developed an algorithm that is used to pick the best location for the next site to enhance the coverage across the whole Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 841-20(1): Regulations and Inspections related to Unhoused Encampments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, obviously, that is not information that I would have with me here today but I'm certainly willing to -- I will commit to go back to the department and see what we keep in statistics, in data, around those specific items that the Member has raised and be happy to get back to the Member with a response. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Committee Motion 83-20(1): Deferral Motion – Tabled Document 385-20(1): 2026-2027 Capital Estimates – Department of Infrastructure – Deferral of Estimates, carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, to my left, I have deputy minister Robert Jenkins. And to my right, I have Jessica St. Arnaud, director of finance. Thank you.

Question 841-20(1): Regulations and Inspections related to Unhoused Encampments
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, our staff from environment and climate change and the lands division have been visiting sites throughout the city over the last number of months, and also have responded to some requests from citizens and some of those that came through other Members of this House, you know, on garbage and different things like that that have been out and around the city and some of these areas and have engaged with local NGOs to do some work in cleaning different areas as well as our staff have also gone out and participated in some of that activity. Thank you, Mr. Speaker...

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Assistant deputy minister, attorney general, Brad Patzer. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 838-20(1): RCMP Staffing in Small Communities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, Mr. Speaker, we currently -- G-division and the commander currently has an Indigenous advisory committee that he meets with twice annually and part of that meeting and consultation process is to receive advice from those Indigenous leaders and participants from across the territory which are recommended and appointed by regional Indigenous governments and organizations across the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm here today to present Bill 27, An Act to Amend the Protection Against Family Violence Act, for consideration by Committee of the Whole.

The Protection Against Family Violence Act provides emergency and long-term protection for victims of family violence. Bill 27 proposes to broaden those who can apply for an order under the Act if they have experience or are in danger of experiencing family violence and in the situations in which someone can apply for an order by recognizing various forms of stalking as constituting family violence.

The bill also proposes to allow that...

Minister’s Statement 156-20(1): 2025 NWT Environmental Audit
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 68)

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to sound environmental stewardship and the sustainable development of natural resources in the North. As part of this commitment, and in accordance with the federal Mackenzie Valley Resource Management Act and several land claim agreements, the government is responsible for facilitating and publicly releasing an environmental audit every five years.

An independent contractor completed the 2025 NWT environmental audit earlier this year. It reviews how our environmental rules work, the reliability of the information we use to...