Empress man dies following suspicious structure fire

EMPRESS—Oyen RCMP confirmed Friday that a deceased person was found following a suspicious residential structure fire in Empress earlier this week, as the incident drew provincial attention amid ongoing controversy over Alberta's disability support changes.

Oyen RCMP and local fire crews responded to the scene Tuesday. The fire was contained, and emergency responders asked residents to stay clear while fire and police completed their work. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The incident drew wider attention after several media outlets, disability advocates, and politicians received a letter from an Empress man on the same day as the fire. In the letter, the man said he had relied on AISH due to mental illness for nearly three decades and had recently been notified of a pending transfer to the province's new Alberta Disability Assistance Program.

The man wrote that after exploring employment options following notification of the transfer, he determined he was unable to find suitable work despite accessing available employment supports.

Edmonton-based disability advocate Zachary Weeks, who received the letter and helped coordinate an emergency response, described the loss as devastating.

"This is a devastating reminder that the fear, uncertainty and pressure people are living under are not abstract policy issues," Weeks said. "They have real human consequences."

The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services directed Albertans in need to available mental health supports.

Anyone struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide can access same-day counselling in Alberta by calling 211. The 24/7 Suicide Crisis Helpline can be reached by calling or texting 988.

Source: Alberta RCMP