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, the department is currently working with the federal government on funding for the boreal caribou. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Question 261-20(1): Waste Diversion
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on the national level, the GNWT endorses the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment's strategy on zero plastic waste, which aims to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of plastic waste. Canada has also played a key role in moving toward the development and adaptation of a United Nations plastics treaty, which this work is expected to wrap up at an international level in 2025. Once the UN plastics treaty is ratified, we anticipate that any outcomes and commitments will be incorporated into the future work of the Canadian Council of Ministers of...

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, as I indicated there is an initiative, the project finance for permanence, which is an initiative between Indigenous governments and the federal government. Related to that in relation to the Department of Environment and Climate Change, there is a bilateral nature agreement that is in the discussion phase right now that would support that work. 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. They are planned activities, and they are worked around engagement of different academics that show areas of interest. 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 tools that the Member is speaking of, in the way of satellite detection or remote sensing, is just one of the tools in the toolbox that is used to fight fire. Typically by the time you can actually see that fire on that fire map, it's to a size that is beyond the ideal size for initial attack. So primarily when you're talking about the initial attack phase of what you fight or what you don't fight, there are many contributing factors. Weather forecast, proximity to communities, availability of resources, all of these things are factored in at the time. And...

Question 261-20(1): Waste Diversion
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 23)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. The GNWT currently has three waste diversion programs. The single use retail bag program, which was the first of its kind at the provincial/territorial level in Canada. Since the program's inception in 2010, it's estimated that we've prevented more than 84 million bags, or 422.1 tonnes, from being used and discarded. We also have the beverage container program, which on average diverts 141 tonnes of plastic waste each year. And plastic components of electronics and electrical items are returned through our electronic...

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, that's a yes. My apologies.

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, the intent is to evaluate all of the programs over time. It's not necessarily specifically defined how many will be done annually. 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. My apologies, could you repeat the last part of that question.

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.