MLA Lathlin remembered as fierce advocate for northern Manitoba

Tributes for an NDP MLA who passed away came pouring in over the weekend, remembering her as a trailblazer and fierce advocate for northern Manitoba communities.

On Saturday Premier Wab Kinew announced Amanda Lathlin, who represented The Pas-Kameesak, died. Lathlin took a leave of absence from the legislature last month due to health issues.

A cause of death was not given.

Kinew said Lathlin brought strength, compassion and determination to public life.

“She was proud of her roots and passionate about building a better future for the people she served. In the legislature and in her community, Amanda led with heart and conviction,” Kinew wrote in a statement announcing her death.

Lathlin was elected to office in a 2015 byelection and became the first First Nations woman to sit in the Manitoba legislature. Prior to that, she worked for the University College of the North and served as a band councillor for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.

Lathlin played a key role in advancing legislation to extend paid leave for mothers recovering from miscarriages and worked to improve access to quality sexual assault care in northern communities, Kinew said in his statement.

Lathlin was the daughter of NDP MLA and cabinet minister Oscar Lathlin, who served as MLA for The Pas for nearly 18 years. He died in 2008.

Last month the NDP announced Lathlin would be taking time off due to health complications, but did not provide details on the status of her health.

The RM of Kelsey, which is located in Lathlin’s riding, said she always led with her heart and a deep love for northern communities.

“Her legacy will endure, but we will remember her most for her unwavering dedication to the people right here at home,” the municipality said in a social media post.

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs called Lathlin a “trailblazer” and a “leader.”

“Amanda was known for her deep connection to the people she served — taking time to visit, listen, and build relationships grounded in respect, humour, and care,” the AMC said in a statement.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Jen Zoratti | Next

Wednesdays

What's next in arts, life and pop culture.

Sign up for Jen Zoratti | Next

Sign Up

I consent to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies.

I consent to CASL agreement.

The Southern Chiefs organization said Lathlin will be remembered as a strong leader, a loving mother and grandmother, and a dedicated advocate for her constituents.

MP Rebecca Chartrand shared that she knew Lathlin when they were young women attending university and had mutual friends. Chatrand represents the federal Churchill–Keewatinook Aski riding, which oversees Lathlin’s constituency.

“I honour your leadership and unwavering commitment to our people,” Chartrand wrote in a tribute to to the late MLA.

Opposition Progressive Conservative leader Obby Khan offered his condolences to Lathlin’s family and the NDP caucus online, and said he and his colleagues will “forever cherish our time with her.”

Nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca

Nicole Buffie
Multimedia producer

Nicole Buffie is a reporter for the Free Press city desk. Born and bred in Winnipeg, Nicole graduated from Red River College’s Creative Communications program in 2020 and worked as a reporter throughout Manitoba before joining the Free Press newsroom as a multimedia producer in 2023. Read more about Nicole.

Every piece of reporting Nicole produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.