Thompson MLA Danielle Adams dies in collision, NDP says

Thompson MLA Danielle Adams died in a car crash on Thursday afternoon outside her community, the Manitoba New Democratsconfirmed.

The first-term politicianis 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 whowore her heart on her sleeve," NDP Leader Wab Kinewsaid in a statement. "She was a fierce advocate for herconstituents in Thompson and always made northern Manitobans a priority.

"Our movement andour team will miss her deeply.I know I and my NDP colleagues will honour her life and legacy bycontinuing to fight hard for the things Danielle stood for."

First elected to the Manitoba Legislaturein 2019, Adamsserved as the party's critic onchild 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 toquality 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.

In 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 inher 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 Stefansonoffered her deepest condolences to Adams' family, friends and colleagues.

"Thompsonand 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.

Advocate for the North

ManitobaKeewatinowiOkimakanak 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 anMKO tweet.

Before entering provincial politics, Adamsserved on the boards of several organizations, including the Thompson Children's World Daycare, Thompson Ski Club andThompson LabourCommittee.

She also workedin the constituency office of Churchill-Keewatinook AskiMP Niki Ashton.

Adams is survived by her two young boys and her husband, Bill.

She proudly wrote about her family on social media. Recently, shemarked 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."