Jay Macdonald

Member Thebacha

Minister of Environment and Climate Change

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:

Committees

Jay Macdonald
Thebacha
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister
Email

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to recognize my cousin Steve Loutitt and thank him for his many years of service in the NWT. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Waste Reduction and Recovery Program 2023-2024 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, ECC is working with the Department of Infrastructure as the project lead to support the development of the project and providing technical advice in this regard. And as mentioned in my response to the first question, the GNWT is engaging and working with the traditional knowledge holders and the communities in regards to advancing the project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, climate change is creating significant challenges for the Northwest Territories, impacting communities, people, ecosystems, and infrastructure. The GNWT is addressing these challenges by integrating Indigenous knowledge and fostering partnerships to build resilience and sustainability for the future generations.

Mr. Speaker, over the past year, we have achieved significant milestones with Indigenous governments, Indigenous organizations, and community partners on climate change adaptation initiatives. This includes building consensus on the most pressing...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the one I am -- that comes top of mind is the Bluenose-East herd which has increased in numbers. Approximately 14,000 or so, give or take, increase from 2021 to 2023 is the one that comes to mind right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the GNWT is using a whole-of-government approach to the Mackenzie Valley Highway environmental assessment, similar to the approach that was used on the Tlicho All-Season Highway or the Giant Mine remediation project through those environmental assessments. And this approach involves collaboration between the GNWT, our subject-matter experts across the different departments, to consider the GNWT's submission within the board process. You know, our experts also work within that process, for example technical sessions, to hear input from other parties respond...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there is much discussion amongst all the parties during the environmental assessment process. And, you know, the feedback from all of those parties is very important as well because that's what actually improves the project as we move forward. ECC, on this specific project, is supporting the Department of Infrastructure as the project lead, and infrastructure is engaging and working with traditional knowledge holders and communities in regards to advancing this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there's a tremendous effort between the Department of Environment and Climate Change working with all of the Indigenous governments across the Northwest Territories. You know, climate has certainly played an impact on the caribou as well and, you know, the caribou are a very traditional part of the culture all across the NWT. So you know, we are working with all of the Indigenous governments. We're working with the -- sorry. Yes, thanks, drew a blank. My apologies.

Working with the -- sorry, working with the monitors, with the monitoring programs across the...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 53)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to hear that the Member saw a nice small herd of caribou over there. It's nice any time you can experience that. Those specific numbers I don't have with me today, but I'm happy to provide to the Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 52)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the department has submitted several information requests to Imperial Oil to better understand the plans for the line replacement project as well as the implications of the project on the local communities. Also, the purpose of the information requests from the GNWT is to help us make suggestions on potential mitigations, if they are necessary for the proposed line replacement, and several of the requests have been simply seeking clarity on some of the processes. The department is aware that the old line was shut in and Imperial was seeking to replace that...