Ben McDonald has lived in Yellowknife for more than 35 years. He has traveled extensively in the north. Retired from paid work since 2005, Ben spent the last 25 years of his working life in the labour movement. During his years in the north Ben served three terms on Yellowknife City Council, including two years as its Deputy Mayor. He also spent three years as a member of the Governing Council of the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Ben continues to be active in the community as a volunteer with Alternatives North and the Smart Communities Society.