Amanda Lathlin

Amanda Lathlin
MLA
Official portrait, 2023
Member of the
Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
for The Pas-Kameesak
The Pas (2015–2019)
In office
April 22, 2015 – March 21, 2026
Preceded byFrank Whitehead
Succeeded byJennifer Flett
Personal details
BornAmanda Gail Lathlin
(1976-07-17)July 17, 1976
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
DiedMarch 21, 2026(2026-03-21) (aged 49)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
PartyNew Democratic Party
EducationUniversity of Manitoba (BA)

Amanda Gail Lathlin (July 17, 1976 – March 21, 2026) was a Canadian politician who represented the constituency of The Pas-Kameesak (formerly The Pas) in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 2015 until her death in 2026.[1] At the time of her election, she was the first First Nations woman to serve in Manitoba's legislature. She was a member of the New Democratic Party of Manitoba.[1]

Early life and career

Lathlin was born on July 17, 1976,[2] the daughter of Oscar Lathlin, a former provincial cabinet minister who represented The Pas in the provincial legislature from 1990 to 2008.[1] Prior to her election to the legislature, Lathlin worked for the University College of the North and served as a band councillor for the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.[3][4]

Political career

In 2015, Lathlin was nominated as the New Democratic Party candidate for a by-election following the resignation of Frank Whitehead on health grounds. Her nomination was determined by a contentious coin-toss after she and the other nominee, Florence Duncan, both received 295 votes.[5][1] Lathlin was ultimately elected in the by-election, becoming the first First Nations woman elected to the provincial legislature.[6][7] The turnout was the lowest recorded for a by-election in Manitoba.[1] In the 2019 election, after the riding of The Pas was redistributed, Lathlin was re-elected the newly created riding of The Pas-Kameesak.[8]

As a member of the legislative assembly, Lathlin forwarded legislation that allowed for compassionate care leave to be granted to workers who experienced a miscarriage.[8][9][7] She recalled that, following her by-election win, she experienced a miscarriage and was subsequently hospitalized.[9][10] Lathlin focused on delivering resources to child survivors of sexual violence living in the north of Manitoba, passing a "common sense priority" law to ensure that youth have better access to resources following the occurrence of sexual violence.[9][10]

She was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.[11]

Personal life and death

Lathlin was a foster parent, as well as a parent and grandmother. She recalled experiencing the removal of three of her nieces while she was on a trip to the United States by Opaskwayak Child and Family Services, an experience she said "tore" into her.[12]

Lathlin died in Winnipeg on March 21, 2026, at the age of 49.[9][13] Following her death, the Rural Municipality of Kelsey, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, Southern Chiefs Organization, and Liberal MP for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, Rebecca Chartrand extended messages of condolence.[4] The flags at the Manitoba Legislature flew at half-mast, and the session adjourned early on her behalf.[9]

Electoral record

2023 Manitoba general election: The Pas-Kameesak
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticAmanda Lathlin3,52267.18+9.27$13,310.33
Progressive ConservativeAlan McLauchlan1,50628.72+4.40$25,109.47
LiberalAlvina Rundle2154.10+0.71$4,535.93
Total valid votes/expense limit 5,24399.62–$38,388.00
Total rejected and declined ballots 200.38–0.11
Turnout 5,26353.52+10.48
Eligible voters 9,834
New Democratic hold Swing +2.44
Source(s)
Source: Elections Manitoba[14][15][16]
2019 Manitoba general election: The Pas-Kameesak
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticAmanda Lathlin3,18057.90+19.1$9,983.35
Progressive ConservativeRon Evans1,33624.33-14.2none listed
GreenRalph McLean79014.38+11.1$1,993.53
LiberalKen Brandt1863.39-15.9$0.00
Total valid votes 5,49299.51
Rejected 270.49
Turnout 5,51943.04
Eligible voters 12,823
New Democratic hold Swing +16.6
Source(s)
Source: Manitoba. Chief Electoral Officer (2019). Statement of Votes for the 42nd Provincial General Election, September 10, 2019 (PDF) (Report). Winnipeg: Elections Manitoba.
2016 Manitoba general election: The Pas
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticAmanda Lathlin1,97643.49-13.28$26,898.08
Progressive ConservativeDoug Lauvstad1,76538.84+9.06$14,083.14
LiberalTyler Duncan58612.90-0.56$2,326.92
GreenPatrick Wood2174.78–$33.78
Total valid votes 4,54499.45–
Rejected 250.55-0.03
Turnout 4,56930.70+9.66
Eligible voters 14,883
New Democratic hold Swing -11.17
Source(s)
Source: Manitoba. Chief Electoral Officer (2016). Statement of Votes for the 41st Provincial General Election, April 19, 2016 (PDF) (Report). Winnipeg: Elections Manitoba.
"Election Returns: 41st General Election". Elections Manitoba. 2016. Retrieved September 10, 2018.
Manitoba provincial by-election, April 21, 2015: The Pas
Resignation of Frank Whitehead
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticAmanda Lathlin1,55756.76-16.84$26,202.75
Progressive ConservativeJacob Nasekapow81729.78+6.22$31,878.68
LiberalInez Vystrcil-Spence36913.45+10.63$2,941.26
Total valid votes 2,74399.42–
Rejected 160.58+0.04
Turnout 2,75921.04-9.35
Eligible voters 13,111
New Democratic hold Swing -11.53
Source(s)
Source: Elections Manitoba[17][18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "NDP's Amanda Lathlin wins The Pas byelection". CBC News, April 22, 2015.
  2. ↑ Goldsborough, L. Gordon. "Memorable Manitobans: Amanda Lathlin (1976–2026)". Manitoba Historical Society Archives. Manitoba Historical Society. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  3. ↑ "The Pas byelection candidate wants to be role model for women". Thompson Citizen, April 10, 2015.
  4. 1 2 Buffie, Nicole (March 22, 2026). "MLA Lathlin remembered as fierce advocate for northern Manitoba". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  5. ↑ Glover, Chris (March 19, 2015). "Some New Democrats in The Pas call coin-toss tiebreaker ludicrous". CBC News. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Lathlin sworn in". Winnipeg Sun, May 4, 2015.
  7. 1 2 "Politicians praise Amanda Lathlin, first First Nations woman in Manitoba legislature – Winnipeg". Global News. The Canadian Press. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Amanda Lathlin 'led with heart and conviction,' says Manitoba premier after northern MLA's death". CBC News. March 21, 2026. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 Sanders, Carol (March 23, 2026). "Premier, NDP caucus pay tribute to northern MLA who left 'very profound' legacy". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  10. 1 2 Hoye, Bryce (March 23, 2026). "Manitoba politicians say goodbye to NDP MLA Amanda Lathlin in emotional tribute". Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  11. ↑ Manitoba Historical Society Archives, Manitoba Recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Retrieved March 26, 2026.
  12. ↑ Ferstl, Rachel. "Former band councillor, now Manitoba MLA raises concerns with shift to First Nations child welfare oversight". CBC News. Retrieved March 25, 2026.
  13. ↑ Wheatle, Tiar (March 23, 2026). "Northern Manitoban MLA honoured at Manitoba Legislature after passing". APTN National News. Retrieved March 24, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Summary of Votes Received" (PDF). Elections Manitoba. Retrieved July 17, 2026.
  15. ↑ "CANDIDATE ELECTION RETURNS GENERAL ELECTION 2023". Elections Manitoba. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  16. ↑ "2023 GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATE AND REGISTERED PARTY ELECTION EXPENSE LIMITS - FINAL EXPENSE LIMIT" (PDF). Elections Manitoba. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Candidates: The Pas By-election". Elections Manitoba. 2015. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  18. ↑ "2015 The Pas Byelection Results" (PDF). Elections Manitoba.
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