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 83)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, just to add to what the Member says, you know, we have a lot of good contractors on both sides of the Yukon and NWT. Our contractors have been working hard to maintain the roads and keep them open. I know Yukon -- our departments have been communicating, and they are doing a bunch of work to the Dempster Highway, and there's plans being developed on exactly what they're going to do. Unfortunately, I don't have details on what their action plans are for maintaining the road during winter events and when there is winter storms or anything like that on the Yukon...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to recognize a couple of people in the gallery, Patricia Lafferty, Mavis Klause, Virdel Deneyou, and Cecile Deneyou. I would also like to acknowledge a couple pages that are working here this week from Hay River, Kennedy Bolt, Malikai Beaulieu, and Natalie Boucher. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

I do.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document, Northwest Territories Emergency Management System Annual Report 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Actually, Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that I have not met with the Veterinarians Without Borders. However, when communities express interest, the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is prepared to facilitate any connections. Communities are also welcome to reach out to the Veterinarians Without Borders directly at any time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those discussions have never happened -- or those discussions haven't happened that I am aware of, and I don't know if that idea has ever been tabled. So it's something we could talk about and look at and maybe work with the Member on what exactly the idea looks like, but definitely, you know, always open for solutions of ways to keep the Dempster Highway open longer. I think it's important to get supplies and services to all the communities in the North, so thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, yes, I have met with the Minister for Transportation Yukon. We were in contact over the holidays. In fact, Christmas Day we were in contact over the closures, trying to assist Inuvik with their propane shortage. So we've been in contact numerous times to support the opening and keeping open the Dempster Highway. Unfortunately, climate change has been an issue. We all know that, and it's impacted our side of the highway, the Dempster Highway, and also the Inuvik ITH. So it's no different on the Dempster Highway with all the mountains and everything else, so. Yes, I...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Mr. Speaker, later today I will be tabling the first annual report on the Northwest Territories Emergency Management System covering the period of April 2024 to December 2025. This report gives residents, community governments, Indigenous governments, and Members of this House clear and transparent account of how the emergency management system is functioning, what improvements have been made, and where further work is needed. By reporting on our progress, we are taking an important step toward demonstrating improvements to the Northwest Territories emergency management system.

Mr. Speaker...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. So to my right, I have got Jacques Roberge, senior legislative advisor. And to my left, Mitchell Roland, director, compliance and licensing.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 83)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here to present Bill 33, Technical Safety Statutes Amendment Act. Bill 33 updates and replaces the current Elevators and Lifts Act with the new framework called the Technical Safety Act, or TSA. The bill will cover elevators and lifts, boilers, and pressure vessels, electrical systems, and gas safety under one Act. These areas will be phased in through regulations over the next three years to four years. The bill will address the need for common rules across technical safety fields, allowing for future modernization of outdated legislation while strengthening public...