Vince McKay

Member Hay River South

Minister of Infrastructure
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Minister Responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission
Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board

Vince McKay was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Hay River South. Mr. McKay was elected to the Executive Council of the 20th Assembly.

Mr. McKay was born on September 17, 1977, in the picturesque town of Hay River.

With a career spanning an impressive 26 years with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Mr. McKay began his journey as a Corrections Officer, steadily climbing the ranks to become a trusted Corrections Supervisor. His leadership acumen led him to the esteemed position of Deputy Warden and eventually to the Directorship of the Investigations and Standards Office (ISO). In each role he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the betterment of his community.

Mr. McKay’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Hay River residents extends to his 30-year tenure with the Hay River Fire Department. His legacy is further solidified by his ownership and operation of Westech Fire and Safety since 1999, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the highest standards of safety.

In the realm of civic duty, Mr. McKay has been an integral part of the Hay River Town Council for an impressive 15 years. His tenure has been marked by a steadfast focus on community development, thoughtful governance, and a genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow citizens. His impact on the town council has left an indelible mark, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.

Family lies at the heart of Mr. McKay’s life, with his wife, Barbara, and two children. Together, they form a united front that has weathered the challenges of a life devoted to public service.

Away from the rigors of his professional life, Mr. McKay finds solace and joy in a myriad of hobbies. An avid sports enthusiast, he can be found on the ice, or navigating the fairways with a golf club in hand. His love for the great outdoors is evident in his passion for camping, fishing, boating, and playing softball—activities that provide a well-deserved respite from the demands of his roles.

Hay River South Electoral District

Committees

Vince McKay
Hay River South
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Minister's Office
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not committing to a timeline. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess we can go back and forth on this forever, but, you know, I am just going to state that -- I am just going to state that I've asked the WSCC to work on this and speed it up, and I am hoping to hear back from the department on how quickly this can be done. And that's all I am going to say for now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I have stated earlier, we had some discussions around it. Obviously, we never got right into it, so we don't know the full impacts. And there's a governing body for WSCC and, you know, they had already started working on some stuff. So again, I am more than happy to work with the Member to find a solution that is the same or similar to the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Mr. Speaker, in the fall of 2024 our government launched the Drive Safe campaign to strengthen road safety awareness across the Northwest Territories. Today, I am pleased to provide an update on the work and how it continues to support safe communities and travel for Northerners.

There are nearly 27,000 licensed drivers in the Northwest Territories. Our roads connect communities, support essential services, and enable the movement of goods, fuel, and supplies. Many of these roads include long isolated stretches, limited services, and sometimes challenging conditions that demand careful planning...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the timelines that I shared with the Member over nine months ago, I think would have had this done already, but at the end of the day, you know, I've asked the WSCC to find a path forward to speed this up, and I can't commit to having it done by that timeline. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, as I stated earlier, within this Assembly this will be done and completed, and I've actually instructed WSCC to speed up the timelines. And, again, I am more than happy to work with the Member and find a path forward on this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 90)

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like I said, you know, very early in the session is more than happy to work with the Member on trying to get some -- you know, get this coverage figured out and get Members with the fire service in the Northwest Territories covered. And, you know, like I said earlier, you know, the jurisdictional scans that we can do to get -- make sure that the legislation is covered under WSCC on presumptive coverage. And, again, more than happy to sit down with the Member and work on a path forward with this. And I agree, we need to get something forward for the Members of the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 88)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So within municipal boundaries, that falls under the general tax assessment and the municipal tax area. That is related to municipal services, and the Member is right, the municipal government would -- you know, the taxes for the owner of the lands. But when it comes down to leases, it all depends on what type of lease and the area it's in within the -- or around the municipal boundaries or in the municipal boundaries. So, again, it all depends on the type of lease in the area. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 88)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There's over seven -- you know, roughly about 700 athletes that went to tryouts. There's roughly 350-some athletes going to Arctic Winter Games. And, you know, everybody had the opportunity and fairness to apply for these positions for Arctic Winter Games. And if I was to bend the rules for every individual that were late essentially, then I would be giving out -- or taking away opportunities from other individuals who followed the rules. So, Mr. Speaker, the beginning of October was opening, end of November, November 30th was closing of the registration, and there's a...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 88)

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the ongoing work to ensure community governments have access to resources that can better help them to build resilience against flooding. Last week, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched the Planning in Flood Hazard Areas Guide and released new flood hazard and inundation maps for five communities in the territory. Flood maps have been completed for Aklavik, Fort Simpson, Hay River, K'atlodeeche First Nation, and Nahanni Butte. Flood maps for Fort Good Hope, Fort Liard, Fort McPherson, Jean Marie River, and Tulita will be completed by 2028...