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:

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

Question 581-20(1): Cabin Leases on Crown Lands in Inuvialuit Settlement REgion
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 49)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if the individuals in question have not gone and completed the application to pause that process, then they could still be receiving invoices. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 581-20(1): Cabin Leases on Crown Lands in Inuvialuit Settlement REgion
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 49)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, sort of a two-part question but happy to answer both of them.

So when it comes to the specific of no longer invoicing, this is a voluntary program that we put in place to address those concerns and it does not relieve the land user of the responsibility of the payment. This is not a forgiveness policy but a temporary pause of payment. So there may be some lessees or leasers that don't want to pause the payment the way it's going currently. So that's the first part.

On the second part, Mr. Speaker, we have sent out invitations to all of the Indigenous...

Question 560-20(1): Climate Change Action Plan
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you very much to the Member for the question. The climate change action plan budget is not something that I have right at my fingertips at this specific moment, the amount. But I think as we look at our action plan and how we roll that out from the department, it supports an all-of-government approach. So a lot of the work that we do through that climate action plan involves many of the departments and supports many of the initiatives that the GNWT does as a whole. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 560-20(1): Climate Change Action Plan
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, maybe just to finish the end of the last question, I'm happy to provide that information to the Member on what we spend in the budget and with a bit of a breakdown just to -- and to the other Members of the House as well.

When we talk about consultants, again, not a number I have off the top of my head but happy to get that information and bring it forward for the Member and the other Members. And with a bit of a breakdown, we can see what percentage of that work is done by NWT firms within the territory and break that out for work that may be done by other...

Question 521-20(1): Climate Change Action Plan
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as a department, we're certainly committed to the plain language approach. I think it's critical that the members of our public in the Northwest Territories have the ability to read and interpret this information.

Right now, currently, each of the annual reports for the last five years has a preface that is a summary in a plain language format. It's a short, plain language summary. We are also -- we've already produced plain language materials that explain the priority, risk, and opportunities facing the territory when it comes to climate change risk, and we...

Question 518-20(1): Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have -- the department and myself have been in regular conversations with Minister Guilbeault's office in regard to this. As well as I said earlier, our partners continue to work forward with the Indigenous governments, the partners at the partner table, and the staff from ECC to advance this project. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 518-20(1): Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, currently, project finance for permanence is being worked on at the partners' level. There are a number of items that needed to be completed to meet the requirements of the treasury board. And currently the $300 million that will be provided by Canada needs to go to the House of Parliament in a supply bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 528-20(1): Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, we do not have $300 million to contribute to this great initiative which is going to benefit the Indigenous governments and communities all across the North, as much as I would love to be able to stand up here and make such a commitment. We will continue to do the work, the advocacy work that we've been doing with the federal government. If there's -- as the election process unfolds, we will continue still to do our advocacy work to ensure, to the best of our ability, that those funds flow to the Indigenous governments within the Northwest...

Question 528-20(1): Northwest Territories Our Land for the Future Project Finance for Permanence
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stated in the earlier question regarding the same issue, we continue to have regular engagement with Minister's office at ECCC in Ottawa. We have been working closely with the partners' table to ensure that all of the work that is required to advance, to be prepared to receive the money when it gets to the parliamentary appropriation that is required continues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 527-20(1): Block Land Transfers to Municipalities
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 45)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there are a number of challenges with the proposed bulk block land transfer. It is under the -- there's a couple of pieces of legislation that govern that type of transaction, one being federal, one being territorial, and there's a requirement under that legislation for a complete survey which has a significant cost. This has been one of the barriers. But as I stated in my earlier answer, the department is continuing conversations with the city. Our deputy minister met with the city representative last week, and I believe they're meeting again this week and...