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, one moment, please.

The variance of $1.081 million between 2022-2023 Actuals and the 2023-2024 Main Estimates is due to carryovers of funding from 2022-2023 for cost sharing agreements related to the nature fund, Deh Cho conservation, and protected areas of Inuvialuit-owned lands, and therefore increased spending. 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. On my right, I have Erin Kelly, deputy minister. And on my left, I have director of finance, Jessica St. Arnaud.

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, I think if the Member would like a detailed description what would qualify under the program, we could certainly provide that information.

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, we feel that we are adequately resourced in this area. There are certain segments of the audit that require contributions from others that are not necessarily in -- the timelines aren't within our control. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 269-20(1): Waste Resource Management Strategy
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'm very happy to say yes, that there are a couple of funding options that I can currently reference right at this time. So ITI provides a SEED funding option that, you know, they're always anxious to support this type of activity and new entrepreneurial opportunities within the Northwest Territories. And there's also the waste reduction and recycling initiative through the Department of ECC that has funding available to support this type of activity. 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. Mr. Chair, this is the result of a reallocation of some of the contracts and some small sunsets on some of the funding that was funding these programs. 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, there were 32 recommendations that resulted from the 2020 audit, two of which are complete. 21, which are in progress but have fulfilled the purpose of the audit, but some of those are ongoing despite the fact that they've met the request out of the audit itself. And nine additional items are in progress. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 269-20(1): Waste Resource Management Strategy
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, one of the key priorities in being successful with this type of work, and these types of programs, is certainly by working with the producers in how this would look going forward. But I think another really important area that we need to consider as a government is, you know, not trying to reinvent the wheel here. There are many programs across Canada and around the world that already exist to help us deal with some of these environmental waste items. So working and looking at what programs are out there that we could adapt that would fit within the context...

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.