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

Member Jay MacDonald, Minister 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

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, despite the reduced budget line item here, there are other programs that are available to fund this work, and there are also potential partnerships that the department is exploring. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the department provides regular information to the community members as well as the Indigenous and other governments across the Northwest Territories on water levels in the Mackenzie basin as well the tributaries. The annual water stewardship strategy workshop is the actual mechanism that brings those folks together to have those discussions. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 262-20(1): Recreational Land Leasing
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said previously, this is not a one-party decision. This is a collaborative process involving Indigenous governments and Indigenous organizations, and I will not stand in the House today and make a unilateral decision on that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yes, those requests can go directly to the regional office, the regional superintendent for follow up. There is no cutoff date on the actual program submission, so there is still opportunity. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, the variance of the $542,000 between 2023 Actuals and the 2023 Main Estimates is due to an increase related to expenses related to contaminated sites that were not covered by the environmental liabilities fund. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We recently received two-year extension under section 11 for $2.421 million for range planning. Our Two Billion Trees Project will support future replanting to support habitat restoration which will be important to meet offset requirements for future proposals. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 262-20(1): Recreational Land Leasing
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I stand here today, I think I'm more than comfortable speaking to decisions that I've made but I'd rather not try and stand here and explain the decisions of my predecessors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I don't have a specific number as to the number of cabins that were lost, but I am aware that there were 33 claims related to compensation under the disaster compensation program. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'll pass to deputy minister Kelly for that one. Thank you.

Committee Motion 27-20(1): Tabled Document 93-20(1): 2024-2025 Main Estimates – Legislative Assembly – Deferral of Legislative Assembly, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, we are currently working on an extension to the boreal caribou funding. Thank you, Mr. Chair.