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 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, as I mentioned in my earlier response, we currently have a memorandum of understanding with the City of Yellowknife that we signed in the fall. It's a new version of the agreement. We have been working very closely with the city. There's a number of parcels that have been identified as parcels of interest from the Department of National Defence, some of which are already in the possession of the city and have the ability to work with the Department of National Defence to move those requests forward. And certainly, as a department, we have dedicated staff to...

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, we have -- the Department of Environment and Climate Change has been working very closely with the city of Yellowknife. We recently signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on bulk land transfers and moving land within the city. We currently have been meeting with the department on a very regular basis. We just had a meeting a week ago to talk about these potential requests that are going to come from the Department of National Defence. And we certainly recognize that this is a very important opportunity for the Northwest Territories, for the...

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.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate this question coming to the floor very much. It just so happens we recently went through a priorities exercise, and one of my three priorities was to look at this program that was run very successfully in Fort Liard, have a complete evaluation done and be able to table that document here in the House to see how we can use that to support our ask with the federal government for more funding in other communities to support the rest of the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 935-20(1): Fine Option Programs and Community Justice Committees
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 73)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that option is available to all communities in the Northwest Territories. Right now, I'm happy to come back and provide the information to the Member if every community has taken up the opportunity to participate in that program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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, as I understand it the letters were sent to all registered owners of assault-style weapons that fall under this program, and it is a mandatory requirement to be completed by the 31st of March, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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.