Vince McKay

Member Hay River South

Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs
Minister Responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission
Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board

Vince McKay was elected to the 20th Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly to represent the constituency of Hay River South. Mr. McKay was elected to the Executive Council of the 20th Assembly.

Mr. McKay was born on September 17, 1977, in the picturesque town of Hay River.

With a career spanning an impressive 26 years with the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). Mr. McKay began his journey as a Corrections Officer, steadily climbing the ranks to become a trusted Corrections Supervisor. His leadership acumen led him to the esteemed position of Deputy Warden and eventually to the Directorship of the Investigations and Standards Office (ISO). In each role he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, fairness, and the betterment of his community.

Mr. McKay’s dedication to the safety and well-being of Hay River residents extends to his 30-year tenure with the Hay River Fire Department. His legacy is further solidified by his ownership and operation of Westech Fire and Safety since 1999, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to the highest standards of safety.

In the realm of civic duty, Mr. McKay has been an integral part of the Hay River Town Council for an impressive 15 years. His tenure has been marked by a steadfast focus on community development, thoughtful governance, and a genuine concern for the welfare of his fellow citizens. His impact on the town council has left an indelible mark, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and constituents alike.

Family lies at the heart of Mr. McKay’s life, with his wife, Barbara, and two children. Together, they form a united front that has weathered the challenges of a life devoted to public service.

Away from the rigors of his professional life, Mr. McKay finds solace and joy in a myriad of hobbies. An avid sports enthusiast, he can be found on the ice, or navigating the fairways with a golf club in hand. His love for the great outdoors is evident in his passion for camping, fishing, boating, and playing softball—activities that provide a well-deserved respite from the demands of his roles.

Hay River South Electoral District

Committees

Vince McKay
Hay River South
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Minister
Email
Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Minister Responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission, Minister Responsible for the Public Utilities Board

Statements in Debates

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. MACA does a lot of good work with a lot of municipalities throughout the North and including the city of Yellowknife and they're constantly communicating, so I'm sure if they are requiring assistance from MACA, that they've already communicated with the department. And that's probably something I could look into. But other than, MACA's role with the community government is supporting them when they have to make some of these tough decisions at times, not necessarily finding more money for them. I'm sure the city of Yellowknife has some amazing resources and staff to...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Member is aware, we do provide some funding to communities. How they allocate the funding is up to mayor and council. At this time, I'm not aware of any correspondence between department of MACA and the city of Yellowknife for assistance with particular projects, so I would have to get more information from the department if there has been. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Physical Activity, Sports, and Recreation Fund Annual Report 2023-2024. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to clarify for the Member, as I stated that the -- I'm not aware of the department and the city corresponding on this particular project. So if they have been, I will find out but I'm not aware of it. I'm not saying that they haven't been helping or there hasn't been any dialogue; I'm not aware of it.

Further to that, Mr. Speaker, you know, the city has planned to run this project. Unfortunately, like everything else, we're all aware that project costs have gone up and unexpectedly, obviously, the city wasn't prepared for that as are most infrastructure projects...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 55)

Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to address a topic that is fundamental to the well-being of all workers across the Northwest Territories; the critical importance of improving workplace safety. Ensuring that our workplaces are safe is essential for the health, productivity, and prosperity of our communities.

When workplaces are safe, everybody benefits. Safe workplaces result in fewer injuries and improved productivity. Most importantly, making the safety of workers a top priority helps to preserve lives and protect families, while also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Workers'...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 54)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sure the Member's aware the difficult situation Fort Resolution's in with their funding for their community and how their community is being operated by a public administrator. We normally -- communities run their rec coordinators or youth representatives through their O and M, out of their municipal funding, and that's usually decided on by your municipal councils and stuff. But MACA is working with the community to see what options are available with the current funding they have. A lot of this money that is being used right now is part of the debt repayment plan...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 54)

Mr. Speaker, I wish to table the following document: Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board 2024 Annual Report. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 54)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, you know, the municipal funding that we distribute throughout all 33 communities are used to operate their municipalities. That was part of the new deal back in the day in order for communities to have a more hands-on grip of operating their communities because they're the ones that know best for their communities. So with that, the communities have the opportunity to operate their facilities and how they allocate those funds within their communities is the best way to do it. Also just keeping in mind there is funds available out there. Like I was saying earlier...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 54)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know as well, as much as the other Members do, that the government isn't going to fix all our problems. It takes a community to raise a community and, you know, some of the opportunities for the residents in those -- in his communities have the opportunity to take residents and -- or the residents have the opportunity to take an initiative to start making healthy choices for the communities. There are funds available, O and M funding for the municipalities, and like I said earlier, you know, MACA is looking at dealing or helping out with Fort Res in regards to...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 49)

Mr. Speaker, effective emergency management and preparedness are critical to the safety and well-being of Northwest Territories residents. Today I want to recognize individuals and groups whose dedication and efforts have helped keep the NWT communities safe.

The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a national recognition for outstanding contributions to emergency management. Federal, provincial, and territorial Ministers present this award to highlight efforts in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This year's NWT recipients are the Department of Environment and Climate...