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

Procedure and Privileges
Member Vince McKay
Hay River South
Member's Office

Yellowknife NT X1A 2L9
Canada

P.O. Box
1320
Email
Email
Phone
(867) 767-9143
Minister
Email
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

Oral Question 304-20(1): Illicit Drug Trade Prevention Measures
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am unclear of the issue that he's speaking of, if he can clarify that.

Member’s Statement 330-20(1): One Year Post-Evacuation in Hay River
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off, I would like to take the opportunity to welcome back my friends and colleagues to the House. I look forward to this session and working with you all to continue moving the NWT forward.

This August marked one year without any evacuations for the community -- well, evacuations and emergencies for the community of Hay River. We are one year evacuation free. It's been a while since we could say that. Hay River, like no other community in the North, has experienced troubling events. But my community is resilient, and we will continue to move forward. We are still...

Oral Question 304-20(1): Illicit Drug Trade Prevention Measures
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 28)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I don't disagree with the Member. You know, these are issues throughout all of the territories and all the communities. My home community is feeling the stress of illegal and drug activities. But the department of MACA, like I said, it's kind of out of our department so this may be -- I do support it. I am -- you know, my moral values tell me that these are things that we need to tackle and as a government it's something we said we're going to do. But it might be something for myself, the Member, and the Department of Justice to sit down and have discussions and...

Question 296-20(1): Federal Funding for Enterprise
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The pathfinders are the GNWT resources people on the ground to assist residents who may be involved in an emergency like flooding and fires. Their goal is to help the residents navigate the GNWT system and assist them in finding resources to help them during the time in need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 296-20(1): Federal Funding for Enterprise
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've had lots of discussion with the department. MACA had lots of communications with the department and the public safety staff. I've personally spoke to the public safety Minister. And I think we've exhausted all avenues in regards to assisting uninsured properties in Enterprise. Just keep in mind that they are being housed through disaster assistance support. Thank you.

Member’s Statement 315-20(1): Wedding Congratulations
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I would like to congratulate Hay River residents and a couple from my riding. They are newlyweds, after 47 years of living together, two children, four grandchildren, one great grandchild - David Gauthier and Sheryl Maurice decided to tie the knot yesterday, and I would like to wish them all the best as the newlywed married couple. And for their honeymoon, they spent it at the ballpark involved in a slowpitch game.

I'd also like to take the time to wish all the Members here in the House, all the Legislative Assembly staff, all the staff that we don't normally see...

Tabled Document 133-20(1): Follow-Up Letter for Oral Question 186-20(1): Addressing Erosion in Aklavik
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to table the following document: Follow-up Letter for Oral Question 186-20(1): Addressing Erosion in Aklavik. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Question 296-20(1): Federal Funding for Enterprise
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I have. And currently, as I stated, they are being housed through the disaster assistance program. Thank you.

Question 296-20(1): Federal Funding for Enterprise
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 27)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess the thing to remember here is the disaster assistance program is a federal program. And just to be clear, it clearly states in the policy, for the disaster assistance policy, that it is not an insurance program. Residents who have no insurance that have been affected by the wildfire are being taken care of. They are being housed by the program. So they are being housed until -- I believe right now until the end of August pending some more communication with the DFAA.

I will add, though, Mr. Speaker, that we have to remember that the wildfire -- fire insurance is...

Member’s Statement 303-20(1): Message of Congratulations to Hay River Graduates
Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 26)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a proud representative of the Hay River, I rise today to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating classes of Hay River. This is a very special occasion not only for the students but for our entire community as we celebrate the achievements and potential of these young individuals.

To the graduating students, I want to commend you for your hard work, determination, and resilience throughout your academic journey. As you prepare on the next chapter of your lives, I encourage you to reflect on the values and lessons you have learned during your time in...