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

Procedure and Privileges
Vince McKay
Hay River South
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Minister
Email
Email
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Minister Responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board

Statements in Debates

Question 273-20(1): Infrastructure Funding for N’dilo
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 24)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Currently, we are currently funding 32 communities in the Northwest Territories and at this time, until these meetings are held and discussions are agreed to, we will stick to our current policy. Thank you.

Motion 33-20(1): Municipal Funding Gap, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 24)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too have sat on council for 15 years, so this has always been a topic in my agenda, and I ran on it with my elections. I'm sure you all are aware of that. But I would like to thank the Members for bringing this motion to the floor today. I agree with the Members on the important role of municipal governments and the importance of funding communities appropriately.

I want to take the moment to share some information on what funding MACA provides. MACA currently provides over $120 million in annual funding through community government funding policies. This funding...

Question 273-20(1): Infrastructure Funding for N’dilo
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 24)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure the Member is aware, but the funding that the government gets is federal funding that we receive, and those pots are allocated through the formula funding that we have that go through all the communities. So we would not be able to retroactively commit to providing funds retroactively for the community. Thank you.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That's correct.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The community can do some of their own work on the landfill, obviously like any other community; however, like in my Minister's statement the other day, we have the hazardous waste project going on, which is collecting some of the hazardous waste and compiling it and, at some point, hauling it out. So, yeah, I guess right now a lot of it lies with the community for the maintenance of the landfill. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So the department is working with the Sahtu community governments. So some of the governments have community plans that are going far back as, let's say, November 2011, so there is work that obviously needs to be done and the department is working with and communicating with those communities to develop updated community plans. Thank you.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm kicking myself in the butt for bringing this up when I was a town council member in Hay River.

This funding here is to support services that are already being provided. It's not a funding per se. It's more or less to assist services that are already existing. And it's not a new ambulance service or new ambulance for anybody. Hate to be the bearer of bad news. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. We're constantly advocated for funding for preparedness, and I think all the provinces and territories are doing the same. So when it comes down to, like, a full-fledged evacuation of a community based on an emergency, DFA would probably quick in at that point and then there would be the opportunity to utilize some of the funds in regards to evacuation hosting and stuff like that that is in the evacuation policy. Yeah, that's it. Thank you.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Like anything else new, there's always growing pains and that was no secret here. So there was a review done, and there was recommendations that were suggested. Those were implemented, and it's continually being worked on with the city of Yellowknife and the department to make sure that the review's been implemented and recommendations are followed through. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 28-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Environment and Climate Change – Deferral of Department of Environment and Climate Change, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you. I'm going to pass this off to Jennifer here.