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 1268-20(1): Improvised Drug Paraphernalia
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I certainly have indicated that I am willing to look into this to see what the legality of it is. We're not sure where it may fall in the process. So happy to do that, take that information, share that information, not only with the City of Yellowknife but with other affected communities across the Northwest Territories and see how we can work together to find a solution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1268-20(1): Improvised Drug Paraphernalia
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I don't have that information on the specific question that the Member has asked directly in front of me, but I am happy to get a response back to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1264-20(1): Lessons Learned on Mine Licenses
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, so the Department of ECC works closely with the land and water boards in the assignment of security requirements for any different company or corporation in the Northwest Territories. We provide information and recommendations but ultimately it is the land and water board that sets the level of security required, so we will continue to work together in that process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1261-20(1): Environmental Monitoring
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, once this process has concluded and I've made a decision, I will release that decision to all parties as well as the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1261-20(1): Environmental Monitoring
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ECC has received a request from Diavik to set a schedule for winding down EMAB and under section 18.3 of the environmental assessment, once Diavik has ceased operations, as the Member has indicated, the Minister may, at their discretion, relieve Diavik of these responsibilities. So as Minister, I've -- as required under section 18.3, I am required to consult with all parties and the advisory board before rendering a decision. And I've launched a consultation process with these parties on the agreement and plan to make a decision on Diavik's request in the...

Bill 49: Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Yellowknife South, that Bill 49, Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act will provide civil mechanisms to stop illegal activities that occur habitually at residential rental properties and negatively affect the safety of the community and the well-being of residents. Commonly referred to as the SCAN Act, the proposed bill is designed to empower residents to report problem residences in their community and includes provisions to protect confidentiality...

Tabled Document 531-20(1): Review of the Residential Tenancies Act: What We Heard Report
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following four documents: Plain Language Summary of Bill 49: Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act; Statement of Consistency for Bill 49: Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act; Public Engagement on Public Safety Legislation: What We Heard Report; and, Review of the Residential Tenancies Act: What We Heard Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1268-20(1): Improvised Drug Paraphernalia
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think I've stood here many times and relayed my commitment to the Northwest Territories on my opinion around drugs and drug-related crime in the Northwest Territories. I am happy to look into the legality of selling this material in a corner store and will bring that information back to the House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1264-20(1): Lessons Learned on Mine Licenses
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we currently do not have a final closure plan. The security that was provided by De Beers is based on the recommendation of the land and water board which had input from environment and climate change, and we will evaluate that as the final reclamation and closure plan is determined. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 1264-20(1): Lessons Learned on Mine Licenses
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 95)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, mine assets or corporations are not something that the GNWT would have authority to influence. You know, this also applies to corporate restructuring or sales processes. These are private. If the requirement under ECC would be for the company to provide applicable forms of security for their operation and if the company is not able to post these applicable forms of security to the GNWT, then we would not recommend to the land and water board that the license or permits be assigned. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.