Northern MLA who died in crash honoured by colleagues

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This article was published 01/03/2022 (1308 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba politicians put aside their differences Tuesday to honour a rookie MLA who died in a northern highway collision in December.

Family members of Danielle Adams were in the legislature to hear condolences from her colleagues.

It marked the first time all MLAs were able to gather together in person since pandemic rules limited in-person attendance.

The day was set aside for members to share condolences and their memories of the first woman elected to represent Thompson in the legislature, in 2019.

Adams’ husband Bill Morris, oldest son Nic, 13, parents, step-parents and close friends were in the visitors gallery to hear them.

Premier Heather Stefanson said Adams was a “strong advocate for northern Manitoba… who cared deeply about her community.”

The premier recalled that when she was families minister, she’d have to respond to questions from Adams, who was the NDP critic for child care, housing, poverty and disability issues.

“We do this job so we can make a difference in the lives of Manitobans,” Stefanson said. “She leaves a lasting legacy we can all admire.”

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Adams worked hard for her constituents and likely could’ve been the MLA for Thompson for 30 years.

if she hadn’t died on a remote section of Highway 6 driving to Winnipeg on Dec. 9.

Kinew talked about her devotion to her young family. He revealed that Adams had a learning disability, and how diligently she had to work to make sure that her communications were clear. He cited her inaugural speech in the legislature in which she talked about learning at an early age to stand up for people who’ve been marginalized, that “you have a duty to stand up and fight to change it.”

Jody Levy, Adams’ mother, who is a retired lawyer and NDP activist, used to take young “Dani” with her to political events.

She said the condolences confirmed her daughter’s influence.

“I’m a mom, I knew she was special… This is a big confirmation today of how special she was to other people, even in the short time she was in the legislature, she made a big impact.”

Levy, who moved to Vancouver Island, said her daughter had dysgraphia which affects a person’s writing ability. She got help and managed it but heckling during question period would sometimes throw Adams off, her mom said.

If there were less rancour in the house and more constructive dialogue, it would open the doors to a more representative government, said Levy.

“As the house starts to become more polite and considerate…. then that’s going to help other people with learning disabilities come through the house and be able to be successful.”

Levy said she’s heartbroken over the loss of her daughter, and that Adams’ supportive mother-in-law in Thompson is helping her grief-stricken son and grandsons cope.

She’s concerned that another family could lose someone on the remote northern highway that claimed Adams’ life. Local leaders have complained about inadequate snow clearing and raised questions about the ability of emergency services to respond.

“I want something done so people can stop dying,” said Levy.

In a scrum with reporters Tuesday, Kinew said he has raised the family’s concerns about safety on remote Highway 6 with the premier, northern leaders and cabinet ministers.

“I know that Danielle, were she here with us, had the same situation occurred to one of her constituents, she’d be fighting that way for them,” Kinew said.

A byelection in Thompson to fill Adams seat must be held by June 7.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca