The Manitoba NDP returned to the Legislature to yesterday to honour the legacy of Thompson MLA Danielle Adams and renew their commitment to fighting for families in the North.

“As the first female MLA for Thompson, Danielle was a trailblazer in so many ways,” said Kinew. “Her journey from a little girl with humble beginnings who overcame barriers to a strong woman and leader will continue to inspire other children to do great things. Although she left us far too soon, she showed us here in the Legislature, her community and her family her best self – and we are all better for it. Her words, her passion and her advocacy will live forever in the permanent record of our province.”

Kinew and the NDP Caucus committed to fighting for the causes Danielle championed like affordable accessible childcare, a living wage and better health care and supports for Northern families. He said the NDP will call for the restoration of the Thompson foot care clinic this session to ensure seniors and Northern Manitobans have access to local, preventive health care.

Kinew also pledged to tackle the issues surrounding Danielle’s death like safety on highway 6, cuts to Northern emergency care and health care. “We’re going to fight for improved highway safety and emergency care the same way Danielle would have fought if the tragedy that took her life had befallen another family in her constituency,” said Kinew.

Kinew pointed out that under Premier Stefanson’s leadership the staffing crisis in Northern health care centers has grown worse, forcing Gillam hospital and Leaf Rapids Health Centre to close their doors. Instead of investing in long term solutions to fix Northern health care, the PCs spent over $400,000 in agency nurses for the Thompson hospital in November 2021.

“While Premier Stefanson repeats Brian Pallister’s record of ignoring the North, we’re listening to Northern families and working to build a better future for everyone in Northern Manitoba.”