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
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Minister of Environment and Climate Change
Minister
Email
Email

Statements in Debates

Recorded Vote
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, to my left, I have Mr. Charles Hunter, senior advisor, Executive and Indigenous Affairs. To my far right, I have Ian Rennie, legislative council for the Department of Justice. And to my immediate right, I have Amy Kennedy, assistant deputy minister of Environment and Climate Change. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Recorded Vote
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the opportunity to discuss Bill 15, Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act.

I would also like to thank the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Environment for receiving a technical briefing on the legislative proposal on October 23rd. Based on the feedback from committee, several amendments were made to the bill before you today.

[editors note: the above statement was corrected on November 1, 2024 through a point of order. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change made the following correction to Hansard: “Mr. Speaker I...

Bill 15: Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member from Hay River North, that Bill 15, Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act, be read for the second time.

The proposed Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act establishes a non-profit body corporate called the Our Land for the Future Trust. Our Land for the Future Trust will manage the initial $375 million fund and any future contributions in accordance with the Our Land for the Future agreement. The fund will be used to support Indigenous-led conservation, stewardship, and...

Bill 15: Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to present to the House Bill 15, Northwest Territories Indigenous-Led Conservation Fund Establishment Act, to be read for the first time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 404-20(1): Draft Climate Change Action Plan
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 36)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. I think it's very clear that climate change has had a significant impact on the Northwest Territories over the last number of years, and certainly the rate at which climate change is happening at three to four times the national average.

The Government of the Northwest Territories Department of ECC is the lead on climate change action in the Northwest Territories, but we certainly can't do this alone. And I think the approach that we've taken as a government are using a coordinated interdepartmental approach so that we're...

Question 384-20(1): Targeted Amendments to Waters Regulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. This is a collaborative exercise that we work very closely with the ICGS in how we move this forward. So the department, although we may have the wish to be as timely as possible, we need to consider all of the other participants in the process and ensure that we're communicating and we're collaborating to achieve the best results. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 373-20(1): Targeted Amendments to Waters Regulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the process to address the targeted amendments will require the participation of the Intergovernmental Council as well as the Intergovernmental Council legislative development protocol. And so the Department of Environment and Climate Change is not able to set that timeline, but we certainly do recognize the urgency of attempting to move this as quickly as possible, and we will continue to work with all parties to advance that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 77-20(1): Our Land for the Future: Advancing the Northwest Territories Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories is committed to maintaining ecosystem health while supporting sustainable economic growth for our communities. A key part of this is the NWT Project Finance for Permanence Agreement, now known as the Our Land for the Future Agreement, which will help to fund Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.

The NWT Project Finance for Permanence Agreement provides participating Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations with the funding to do the things we agree to do together in our shared conservation work plan Healthy Land, Healthy...

Question 384-20(1): Targeted Amendments to Waters Regulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, I will certainly reach out to the department and ensure that we are having the appropriate conversations with our partners to determine the best path forward, and hopefully that will result in a timeline that I can return to the Member in this House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 373-20(1): Targeted Amendments to Waters Regulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 34)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yes, the department is in the very early stages of discussions with the ICGS, and we are hoping to advance that in a timely fashion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.