Thompson MLA Danielle Adams dies in collision, NDP says
Death of caring mother, northern Manitoba advocate 'heartbreaking on so many levels,' Wab Kinew says
Thompson MLA Danielle Adams died in a car crash on Thursday afternoon outside her community, the Manitoba New Democrats confirmed.
The first-term politician is being remembered as a kind, genuine woman who loved her family and fought for the communities of northern Manitoba.
"Danielle's passing is heartbreaking on so many levels — she was a young, caring mother who wore her heart on her sleeve," NDP Leader Wab Kinew said in a 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."
First elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 2019, Adams served as the party's critic on child care, housing, disability and poverty matters.
The party described her as a lifelong New Democrat who cared deeply for Manitoba's northern communities and fought for equal access to quality health-care, education and good jobs.
In particular, she was a staunch advocate for the child-care sector and the people who use it.
"Before and after her election, Danielle was a trustworthy listener and community advocate for those in Thompson and beyond," the news release said.
I'm very sad to confirm Danielle Adams, the NDP MLA for Thompson and a dedicated mother and partner, passed away this afternoon. <br><br>Danielle fought hard for a better life for families, northerners, & kids across Manitoba.<br><br>To our dear colleague and friend—we will miss you so much! <a href="https://t.co/YQhrHgLAlF">pic.twitter.com/YQhrHgLAlF</a>
—@WabKinewIn 2019, she unseated Tory incumbent Kelly Bindle by around 900 votes to represent the Thompson consistency as their MLA.
Adams sponsored two private member resolutions in her time in office. She called for immediate support for Manitobans on employment assistance and to ensure child care is affordable and accessible for all.
Other politicians offered their condolences on social media.
"Danielle was the most kind, sweet, wholesome, genuine woman. She loved her family SO much," NDP House Leader Nahanni Fontaine wrote on Twitter.
"This is a hard day."
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson offered her deepest condolences to Adams' family, friends and colleagues.
"Thompson and all of Manitoba suffer a terrible loss today," the Progressive Conservative leader wrote.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his condolences to Adams' friends and family late Thursday evening.
I’m keeping the family and friends of Danielle Adams in my thoughts tonight, particularly her husband and two young children - and I’m sending my deepest condolences to the <a href="https://twitter.com/mbndp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MBNDP</a> caucus and people of Thompson, Manitoba as they mourn her sudden passing.
—@JustinTrudeauAdvocate for the North
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Garrison Settee said it was an honour to work alongside Adams.
"Danielle Adams was a good ally and wanted so much to make a difference in the North. She was truly an honest and humble person," Settee said in an MKO tweet.
Before entering provincial politics, Adams served on the boards of several organizations, including the Thompson Children's World Daycare, Thompson Ski Club and Thompson Labour Committee.
She also worked in the constituency office of Churchill-Keewatinook Aski MP Niki Ashton.
Adams is survived by her two young boys and her husband, Bill.
She proudly wrote about her family on social media. Recently, she marked the birthday of her eldest son, who turned 13.
In Adams' last personal tweet, she wrote about gratitude: "I am so happy that my son has been vaccinated for COVID-19. Thank you to all the frontline people who are working at our vaccine clinic in Manitoba and across the world."