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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NWT Climate Change Strategic Framework describes an overarching climate change goals for the territory and was developed in partnership with our partners across the territory as well as through engagement with the general public and the public at large. Much of this work certainly involves, you know, engaging with the NWT climate change council, NWT climate change advisory groups, NWT climate change youth steering committee, and other collaborative mechanisms. You know, for the students, I think continuing their advocacy which they showed, you know...

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to start by acknowledging MLA Reid and MLA Morgan and the students and staff at Sir John and St. Pat's high school for the opportunity to go in and have discussions of the climate change action plan with them.

As we've done our engagement as ECC, some of the key comments that we've received, and which have been independently evaluated through a process that we're using, have said that our actions need to be more measurable, and this is certainly something that we feel is a critical path forward for us as a department. So what we've committed to...

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, as we were moving this process through our legislature, unfortunately parliament was prorogued by the federal government, and this has delayed the process. 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, the private equity money is a matching sum dependent solely on the commitment from the federal government. 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, those discussions are still ongoing. 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, to date, there has only been one request for a block land transfer, and that was from the city of Yellowknife. The Department of Environment and Climate Change has been in constant contact with the city and have been discussing the issue to find a path forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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.