[2][7][8] In April 2015, McDonald threatened to block Nalcor Energy's heavy trucks from using roads in Conception Bay South during the construction at Muskrat Falls for the Lower Churchill Project.

[10] In 2014, McDonald closed a deal for a new town hall, which along with a stadium and fire house, account for $40 million of facilities scheduled to be completed in Fall 2015, of which C.B.S.

[11][12] As a councillor in 2010, McDonald opposed a $20 million plan to build a larger town hall because he prioritized other issues such as access to water and sewage services.

[13] McDonald was the Liberal candidate for the riding of Avalon in the 2015 Canadian federal election, replacing Scott Andrews, who was ejected from caucus in March 2015 after allegations of sexual misconduct.

[15] In October 2022, McDonald supported a Conservative motion asking the federal government to agree to the request of Andrew Furey, the Liberal Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, for an exemption on the carbon pricing for home heating fuels.