Member Hay River South

Minister of Infrastructure
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
Minister
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 47)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to address the current situation in Norman Wells where a humanitarian state of emergency has been declared not once, but twice. This action is a direct response to the rising cost of fuel, groceries, and essential supplies which have surged due to the cancellation of the 2024 barge season.

I have spoken several times to the Norman Wells mayor, including this morning, about the challenges that the area is facing, and we share the concerns about the increase of costs to the residents and are taking concrete actions to address them. The...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think I hit the bonus question here. I'm happy to continue to work with the Member on this initiative. I mean, this is a -- this is something that has been brought up already and having gone through a couple little information sessions, it really opens your eyes at what's actually happening out there. So the department is working with -- sorry, the department has reviewed the information, and we're continuing to investigate it, if you will, so we're going to see what's next steps and where to take it. And I believe the department has -- is it Ms. Barber? I'm...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm going to ask Catherine to respond to that. Thanks.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

I'll ask Gary to respond to this, the deputy minister, please.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

I'm going to ask the deputy minister to respond to that. Thank you.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. As part of being proactive -- I don't even remember when it was. This spring or last fall we sent out letters to all the communities, you know, basically informing them that it's a good time to be prepared and get ready and update their community emergency plans. So every community government in the territory should have received that letter and, at that time, if they felt that they needed some assistance, they could have reached -- they could reach out to the regional superintendents, and the department could assist them in making sure their community emergency...

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Finance is leading that section.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. So the -- any of the funding, when it comes down to mitigation like that, a lot of that lies with NWTAC and ECE -- ECC. So the community have to have their emergency plans updated and then work with those departments and that agency to apply for some funding for that. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Is that a recreational coordinator hired by the municipality or by the GNWT?

Debates of , 20th Assembly, 1st Session (day 47)

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I guess just to share some information with that. You know, with the anticipated afteraction review coming in, the departments have already aligned a working group that is already set up to start actioning some of this stuff. So the working group is already being formed to work on the afteraction review. Thank you, Mr. Chair.