Education Minister Nello Altomare, 61, 'changed the lives of Manitoba students forever': premier

Nello Altomare, Manitoba's education minister, is being remembered for his "larger-than-life" personality and his lifelong dedication to students in the province.

The province confirmed Wednesday the 61-year-old MLA for the Winnipeg riding of Transcona had died. He had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma cancer in 2019, shortly after being elected to his first term in office.

Altomare had "a larger-than-life personality, a huge smile and a love for teaching young people that will never perish," Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said in a statement.

"He will be remembered as the education and childhood learning minister that changed the lives of Manitoba students forever — with a universal school food program."

Kinew said the province is in a better place because of Altomare's passion and work ethic.

"You were a hell of a guy," Kinew said in an Instagram post. "Love you till the end of time."

A former school principal who spent much of his time in education in the River East School Division, Altomare was first elected as an MLA for the New Democrats in September 2019 and was re-elected in 2023.

He was "a proud and outspoken supporter of public education," Manitoba School Boards Association president Sandy Nemeth said in a statement Wednesday.

"He was refreshingly direct when necessary, always respectful, and possessed a keen sense of humour."

Altomare took a leave from his ministerial role for medical reasons last October. Tracy Schmidt took over his portfolio on an acting basis.

Last November, the provincial government vowed to introduce legislation that would put Manitoba's universal school food program into law permanently.

Kinew said in the legislature that the law will be known as Nello's Law.

"How many of us get a chance to make such a mark in an area that is our life's work? I don't know, but you had a chance to do it," Kinew said of Altomare during the last fall session in the legislature.

Altomare's legacy of service, leadership and dedication will endure, Nemeth said.

"Nello's Law will forever be a testament to a truly unique individual whose unwavering commitment to students and families was unquestionable," Nemeth said in Wednesday's statement.

"We considered him a friend and ally of public education in Manitoba, and he will be deeply missed."

'An amazing man'

Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe also sent his condolences to Altomare's family.

"He was just a passionate, strong advocate for his community and for the things that he cared about — most notably education," he said.

Wiebe was Altomare's seatmate inside the legislature for much of their time together. Their constituencies — Transcona and Concordia — also border one another so they became quite close, Wiebe said.

"I think he was an amazing man, very strong and very well liked and was a good friend to me. But ultimately, his legacy will live on with the school nutrition program and the other work that he did."

Across the political aisle, former Progressive Conservative premier and current MLA Kelvin Goertzen (Steinbach) also paid tribute to Altomare, an "honourable person" whom he considered a friend despite their political differences.

"Nello was a good example of what we can all be — better. Rest in peace, my friend," Goertzen said on X.

Interim PC Leader Wayne Ewasko shared in the grief and loss felt by friends and family of Altomare.

"Getting to witness his dedication as an MLA, minister, and lifelong educator, it has been an incredible honour to call Nello a colleague and friend," Ewasko said in a statement.

"Nello was more than an advocate for education — he was a partner whose efforts will see students and teachers excel for years to come."

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, and Winnipeg MPs Ben Carr and Terry Duguid, were among several local politicians who took to social media to express their condolences.

"As a former Transcona resident, I know first hand how much he was respected. His legacy and advocacy in education and for all Manitobans will not be forgotten. Rest in peace," Duguid said.

Jenna Sudds, the federal minister of families, children and social development, called Altomare "a lifelong champion for education."

"His passion for the children of Manitoba was reflected in every conversation we had. His impactful work will never be forgotten," Sudds said on X.

"Rest easy, Nello."

The Manitoba Metis Federation's minister for early learning and childcare also passed on his condolences to Altomare's family and friends.

"I will always remember Nello for his infectious laugh, his love of oatmeal raisin cookies and his ability to truly pay attention to the people around him, which he demonstrated by offering uplifting and supportive words to everyone he met," Frances Chartrand said in a statement.