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

Committee Motion 138-20(1): Concurrence Motion – Tabled Document 454-20(1): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 3, 2025-2026, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 77)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we're currently developing a new action plan, and the approach while we develop that action plan will be to fund from within the department's resources. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 138-20(1): Concurrence Motion – Tabled Document 454-20(1): Supplementary Estimates (Operations Expenditures and Borrowing Authorization), No. 3, 2025-2026, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 77)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will pass that to the director.

Question 955-20(1): First Nations and Inuit Policing Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 75)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, a couple of points to raise here. I think the day-to-day operation within the G-division of the RCMP is at the sole discretion of G-division. Having said that, Mr. Speaker, the 33 agreements that were signed with the communities also help to guide how that participation happens within those communities. So specifically for Tsiigehtchic, between January and October of 2025, there were 39 visits to the community as established patrols which were -- I don't have the specifics of the time of -- that they were actually in the community but there were 33...

Question 955-20(1): First Nations and Inuit Policing Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 75)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to commit to visit the community of Tsiigehtchic to meet with the residents and the Member to discuss the policing challenges that they're facing. It would be my great honour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 955-20(1): First Nations and Inuit Policing Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 75)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently, there are -- the FNIPP program has 22 members that we've added in the Northwest Territories, and five of those members are stationed within the Beaufort Delta, one specifically in McPherson that does support the community of Tsiigehtchic. Currently, there are conversations going on with Public Service Canada. There are community tripartite agreements that help to guide the work with all of the communities across the NWT. There are also 33 agreements that have been signed to work on a collaborative approach to how the FNIPP program will be...

Question 944-20(1): Conduct of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Personnel
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 74)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister I'm not directly involved in the process within the RCMP. They are at arm's length from us. Having said that, there are a number of initiatives that the RCMP partake in in the Northwest Territories when it comes to, you know, addressing issues and improving the relationships with Indigenous governments and Indigenous people all across the NWT. You know, the commanding officer here at G-division has made mandatory that all of the officers take the GNWT training on cultural awareness. There is an initiative as well at the federal level that's...

Question 944-20(1): Conduct of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Personnel
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 74)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said earlier, the RCMP are a contracted service to the GNWT and so in my role as Minister of Justice, I would not get involved into HR related matters, if there is an identified issue. However, as the Minister, also part of my responsibilities are to ensure that policing services are delivered in a satisfactory manner. I'm responsible for setting those policing policies which include, you know, building and strengthening relationships with Indigenous communities and certainly understand that we need to establish those relationships. You know, the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 74)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to recognize Alexa Crawford today, a young constituent from Thebacha. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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'm happy to sit down with the Government House Leader and review the act together, and once we've had that opportunity we will see what direction it goes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 936-20(1): Fort Liard Community Policing Program
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that's a very good suggestion. I believe that we want to have a very thorough evaluation. This is certainly going to be a guiding document that will help us to inform our conversations with the federal government. We don't fit right now currently within the program to access additional funding. We want to ensure that we can show the success of this program from all aspects within the community and use that as our guiding document to move forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.