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 45-20(1): Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates – Infrastructure - Deferral of Department, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you for question. Yes, I'd love the opportunity to explain this one. So the territorial infrastructure is infrastructure that supports the territory as a whole. So I can go here and look at the lightning detection system, which is a piece of territorial infrastructure. So there's a network of detection sites across the NWT that provide lightning data to all of the NWT, to all of the bases in all of the regions, as well as to the territorial fire centre. This type of infrastructure supports all of the firefighting activity. So it's not necessarily assigned to a...

Committee Motion 45-20(1): Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates – Infrastructure - Deferral of Department, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. The total budget for the project is $32 million.

Committee Motion 45-20(1): Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates – Infrastructure - Deferral of Department, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, some of the -- so I don't have the specific number, but I can give you a pretty good ballpark number.

So within the Department of Environment and Climate Change, there's approximately between, I'd say, 120 and 140 trucks that are used across all of the departments and divisions and many of those, depending on location within NWT, if you're driving constantly up and down the Dempster Highway or if you're driving on winter roads or, you know, Whati, for example, right where the -- so part of the plan here and how these are disbursed throughout the capital plan for...

Committee Motion 45-20(1): Tabled Document 193-20(1): 2025-2026 Capital Estimates – Infrastructure - Deferral of Department, Carried
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 33)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. That level of detail would be really hard to calculate. We take a much broader approach to how we do the calculations on the greenhouse gas emissions. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Member for the question. As we look at our current array of inventory towers across the Northwest Territories, many of this infrastructure was inherited from the federal government and much of the infrastructure currently doesn't meet the standards to be in service. So we've looked at many opportunities to use technology across the NWT as part of a larger plan and part of the plan is associated with the funding dollars that were provided from the federal government. So part of this plan involves putting towers in and around communities and areas of...

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the Member for the question.

Currently, we have 11 fire towers across the Northwest Territories. Nine of those are camera-based towers. One of the towers is -- two of the towers are located in the Nahendeh riding, one in Fort Liard, and one in Somba K'e. The Fort Liard tower is person operated as well as the one in Somba K'e. It is a unique situation. It also has cameras attached to it primarily for this season in that the person that holds that position was on leave for the 2024 season. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Tabled Document 164-20(1): Follow-up for Oral Question 297-20(1): Wellness and Addictions Recommendations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister of Health and Social Services, I wish to table the following seven documents: Additional Information for Return to Written Question 6-20(1): Agency Nurses; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 215-20(1): Use of Agency Nurses; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 244-20(1): Transitional Housing Pilot Project; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 249-20(1): Clients' Medical Records Required for Medical Travel; Follow-up for Oral Question 280-20(1): Apply for a Name Change; Follow-up for Oral Question 284-20(1): Mental Health Training; Follow-up for Oral Question...

Tabled Document 143-20(1): Northwest Territories Species at Risk Committee Annual Report 2023-2024
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following seven documents: Government of the Northwest Territories Response to Motion 29-20(1): Municipal Block Land Transfer; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 205-20(1): Climate Change; Additional Follow-up letter for Oral Question 205-20(1): Climate Change; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 216-20(1): Guardians of the Land Program; Follow-up letter for Oral Question 278-20(1): Disaster Assistance Programs for Traditional Cabin Owners; Conference of Management Authorities Species at Risk Annual Report 2023-2024, and Northwest Territories Species...

Oral Question 308-20(1): Fire Towers
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the tower in Enterprise was a manned tower which recently the incumbent in the position resigned within the last couple of seasons. Since that time, cameras have been placed on the tower in Enterprise, and the position has been transitioned into Hay River and turned into a monitoring role to assist with the monitoring of the many camera sites across the Northwest Territories. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister’s Statement 60-20(1): 2024 Wildfire Season
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the 2024 wildfire season, we are reminded of the challenges we faced, including those we have lost protecting the Northwest Territories. I would like to start by honouring the memory of pilot Tom Frith, who made the ultimate sacrifice while working to safeguard the community of Fort Good Hope this summer. His selfless dedication is an example of the courage and commitment exemplified by the wildfire management team. To Tom's family, friends and colleagues, our hearts are with you, and we share in your grief. His legacy will continue to inspire us.

I also want to...