Meeting the Pas byelection candidates
Posted July 8, 2026 5:06 pm.
Last Updated July 8, 2026 7:07 pm.
Things are heating up in an important by-election in the Pas-Kameesak, with a seat in the legislative assembly up for grabs. The riding was left vacant by the late Amanda Lathlin, who passed away in March.
The NDP, PCs and Manitoba Liberals have all entered candidates into the race.
The riding got its current name in 2018 after riding redistribution. It’s long been an NDP stronghold, last held by Lathlin since she was first elected in a by-election in 2015.
“I like what they’re doing, and I want to sit at the table with Wab and work for the constituency,” said Jennifer Fleet, Manitoba NDP candidate.
Now, they’ve tabbed Flett, a former Vice Chief and Councillor for Opaskwayak Cree Nation and technician with the Treaty Five Administration Office, as their new candidate. She says her biggest focus is on fixing healthcare.
“Across the board, every facet, every age group, any person I’ve talked to, they really want a good healthcare system that can serve their needs,” said Flett.
The PC’s meanwhile, have chosen businesswoman and member of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation Edna Nabess, who has served on several provincial boards, including the Winnipeg Police Board, Efficiency Manitoba, MPI and Manitoba Social Services Appeal.
“I have spent my life serving northern Manitoba, and I know the strength of our people. But I also know the challenges we face. Too many families can’t get the health care they need. Too many young people are being lost to addiction. Too many Indigenous youth are leaving our communities because they can’t find the jobs and opportunities they deserve,” said Nabess.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. I believe in the people of northern Manitoba. I believe we can strengthen health care, create opportunity, support recovery, and build an economy that gives our young people a reason to stay and build their future here at home.”
The Liberals, meanwhile, under new leader Willard Reaves, are trying to gain back ground in the political landscape. They’ve chosen Dan Quesnel as their candidate, who has a finance background and is a current branch manager for a financial institution.
“I really see a strong opportunity to kind of leverage what the federal side of things is doing to hopefully translate into provincial spending and infrastructure repairs,” said Quesnel.
“I have a small daughter at home, she’s around two years old, and if things continue the way they are, it wont even be viable to build a life in the north if she wants. Health care services, housing, job creation, economic development, all of these are serious issues going on up here and we need them addressed.”
No matter who wins, candidates agree they’ll have big shoes to fill left by the beloved Lathlin.
“Amanda started so many projects, and I really do want to follow up on what she started, and also address the needs that are coming afterwards, so I really appreciate what Amanda has done for our area,” said Flett.
The by-election takes place July 21st.
