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:

Committees

Jay Macdonald
Thebacha
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Jay_Macdonald@ntassembly.ca
Phone
(867) 767-9143 (link is a phone number)
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister
Email
Jay_Macdonald@gov.nt.ca

Statements in Debates

Question 729-20(1): Unmarked Graves and Impacts of Archaeological Sites Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. We all know that this is a tragic situation and a very challenging one at the same time. I'm certainly committed, as I stated on Friday, to working with the coroner's office and with, you know, the Department of Justice to ensure that we do everything we can to find a path to get Alma home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 722-20(1): Timeline Update on Forthcoming Justice Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. Certainly another very critical piece of legislation that will support the work of the different, you know, agencies that are trying to combat the drugs and the crime across the NWT and certainly as important to the territory to help us in that endeavour as the other three pieces.

So currently the department is doing a review of the Residential Tenancies Act, and that review will continue through the summer of 2025. And the information that's gathered from that review will be used to develop the legislative proposal for the...

Motion 56-20(1): Code of Conduct Referral to the Standing Committee on Procedure and Privileges, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when I am outside of this chamber, I make every effort to consider the 18 other Members of the 20th Legislative Assembly in how I conduct myself and how I make comments in the public. You know, a lot of passion in this room regarding this issue on both whether you're supportive of moving forward with this discussion or you're not, and I think the one thing that -- and I'm going to keep my comments pretty short here -- that should be considered throughout this conversation is how did we get here and why are we having this actual conversation. So maybe a...

Question 729-20(1): Unmarked Graves and Impacts of Archaeological Sites Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm not familiar specifically with the Coroner's Act but happy to investigate what the possibilities may be there in that regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 722-20(1): Timeline Update on Forthcoming Justice Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Member for the question. I think, you know, all Members of this House on both sides, Cabinet and Regular Members, are anxious to move these forward, and I think that was expressed yesterday and, you know, the advancement of the Trespass Act and shortening that timeline from our original plan to have all three pieces of legislation together and brought forward in the summer of 2026, so now we're looking at the fall of 2025 for the Trespass Act. We're looking at the winter sitting for the other two pieces of legislation. And the Trespass Act, I...

Question 722-20(1): Timeline Update on Forthcoming Justice Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 60)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as was so well stated in the Member's statement, I think that, you know, as we look at the challenges that we're facing in every community regarding drugs and crime, it's certainly top of mind, I know for all of the Members of this House, and certainly one of my priorities since I've become Minister of Justice. So the plan for these three specific pieces of legislation is to have legislative proposals developed during the summer of 2025 and pending approval by Cabinet to advance those legislative proposals.

A couple of -- I'll speak maybe to the SCAN...

Question 708-20(1): Northwest Territories Trespass Legislation
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated last week, the three pieces of legislation that we're proposing to advance at a quicker timeline than was originally thought, the Trespass Act is probably the least complex of the three pieces of legislation so my discussion with the department was to move this forward. Obviously, it takes -- requires collaboration from all of the Members of this House in order to meet the proposed timeline, but we're hoping -- shooting to have the bill brought to the floor in the fall sitting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 707-20(1): Collective Bargaining Rights in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Act is administered through the Department of Finance so that question would be certainly more relevant to be directed to the Minister of Finance. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 707-20(1): Collective Bargaining Rights in the Northwest Territories
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as the attorney general, I am unable to provide legal advice or legal opinions within the Legislative Assembly and as such I will not be able to answer the question regarding the impact to potential Charter rights. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Recorded Vote
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 59)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member of Yellowknife South, that Bill 18, An Act to Amend the Partnership and Business Name Act, be read for the third time. And, Mr. Speaker, I request a recorded vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.