Alberta Man Dies by Suicide After Disability Benefit Cuts Spark Despair

A man in Empress, Alberta, died by suicide on 8 June 2025 after expressing distress over changes to his disability support. Bruce Johnson left a note explaining his decision, which he linked to the shift from one benefit programme to another. Bruce Johnson had received disability support for 29 years due to depression, anxiety and stress. He was moving from the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) to the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).

Under AISH, he received £1,940 a month. ADAP pays £1,740, a reduction of £200. Johnson feared the change would cut his income and force him to look for work, which he felt unable to do because of his mental health.

A person matching his address was found dead in a house fire in Empress. The Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services later offered condolences and shared mental health support information. The transition to ADAP meant less money each month for Johnson. He believed the financial strain and job search requirement made his situation unsustainable. His death has drawn attention to the impact of policy changes on vulnerable individuals.