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

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I'll pass to director St. Arnaud, please.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. 33 in total. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

No comment at this time. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Yes, thank you, Madam Chair. Yeah, certainly, so there was a small increase in the base funding, if you will, want to call it that. So the approach is to take a base funding approach that covers the -- essentially the day-to-day operations for the season and then take a supplemental appropriation approach to fund if there's significant wildfire activity. So within that budget, it has the capacity to address a small number of actual wildfire events. And if you go beyond that small number, then we're certainly going to be looking for supplemental appropriation. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, the items within the action plan and the action plan itself is a document that we're using to work with the Government of Canada in our approach to get additional funding to support some of those items that are currently not funded. But I'd like to pass to the deputy minister for a little more detail. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you to the Member for the comment. I think that that sort of goes back to my previous comment about, you know, us talking and speaking with communities about their needs and sort of what their priorities are. And part of that goes back to the consultation process that we would go through with the local Indigenous governments, the land use component of that land within municipalities still needs to be identified, so that's part of the overall conversation that we've been having as well. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the Member. Point taken.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. I don't have that level of detail with me right now but happy to follow up with the Member. Thank you, Madam Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, it's been the practice of ECC to take an all-of-government approach to certainly issues of this magnitude that are high on the radar across the country. So we do work with whichever department is appropriate depending on the circumstance, Madam Chair. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 50)

I'll take that as a comment. Thank you, Madam Chair.