Thompson MLA Danielle Adams has died, according to a statement issued by the Manitoba NDP Thursday night.
The party and its leader Wab Kinew confirmed Adams' death Thursday night.
"The Manitoba NDP Caucus is extremely sad to confirm the tragic passing of Danielle Adams, NDP MLA for Thompson and dedicated mother and partner," reads a statement from the party issued Dec. 9.
According to the party, Adams died Dec. 9 following a vehicle accident near Thompson.
Adams was first elected to Manitoba legislature in 2019, becoming the first female MLA to represent Thompson in provincial legislature. During her time in office, she served as the Manitoba NDP's critic for child care, disability, housing and poverty matters. Adams' 2019 campaign was the first time she had been elected to public office, becoming part of a four-person northern bloc for the NDP along with MLAs Ian Bushie for Kewatinook, Amanda Lathlin in The Pas-Kameesak and Tom Lindsey in Flin Flon.
Adams moved to Thompson as a child, graduated from R.D. Parker Collegiate and volunteered with several local groups, including the Thompson Ski Club, Thompson Labour Committee and the Thompson Children's World Daycare.
Before being elected, Adams was a constituency assistant for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton. While in office, Adams "was particularly committed to advocating on behalf of the child-care sector and parents, pushing for child-care that was affordable, accessible and reliable across the province," said the NDP statement.
"Danielle was a lifelong New Democrat who cared deeply about equal access to quality health care, education and good jobs in Manitoba’s northern communities. Before and after her election, Danielle was a trustworthy listener and community advocate for those in Thompson and beyond. In the Legislature, Danielle demanded better for her northern constituents and made an effort to raise their concerns at every opportunity."
Manitoba RCMP issued a statement Dec. 10 about the accident, saying that Adams' vehicle was heading southbound on Highway 6 about 50 kilometres south of Ponton when the SUV she was driving hit a northbound semi-truck. Road conditions were considered to be poor at the time of the accident.
Response
Condolences came in from Adams' compatriots and opponents alike following her death.
"Danielle’s passing is heartbreaking on so many levels—she was a young, caring mother who wore her heart on her sleeve,” said Kinew in the NDP's statement.
“She was a fierce advocate for her constituents in Thompson and always made northern Manitobans a priority. Our movement and our team will miss her deeply. I know I and my NDP colleagues will honour her life and legacy by continuing to fight hard for the things Danielle stood for.”
Flin Flon MLA Tom Lindsey added, "Such tragic news today, our friend, our colleague, our northern sister involved in a fatal accident on the way to Winnipeg. Heartbroken to say the least. We have all lost a voice for the north, for families, for all of us."
"We will fight on in her name."
"My deepest condolences to Danielle Adams’ family, friends and colleagues. Thompson and all of Manitoba suffer a terrible loss today," said Manitoba Premier and Progressive Conservative party leader Heather Stefanson in a Twitter statement Dec. 9.
"This is so terrible. Just a week ago I was sitting next to Danielle in the legislature. Our deepest condolences to her family and community and NDP caucus colleagues," reads a statement issued via Twitter by Manitoba Liberal Party leader Dougald Lamont.
"Today we lost a friend, a colleague, a fighter for our north. As I shared with Danielle’s family this evening, we are shocked and saddened over such a tragic loss," said Niki Ashton, who Adams served with as a constituency assistant before her own election in 2019. As an MLA and as a person, Danielle believed in our region, in people. She believed in building a better future for all. She left us on a drive we all take. A life cut tragically short."
"Danielle was my friend. We worked together for years. She was a feminist, an activist, a committed New Democrat.
Adams is survived by her husband Bill and two sons. She was 38 years old.
