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Sister of Prince George motel fire victim files lawsuits

Amos Miller was source of support for siblings, according to claim
econo-lodge-fire-july-8-2020
Fire fighters at the scene of a fatal fire at the Econo Lodge Motel on July 8, 2020.

A deadly fire at a downtown Prince George motel has led to further legal action.

The sister of a man who lost his life in the July 8, 2020 fire at the Econo Lodge Motel filed a pair of lawsuits last week in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver.

In one, Charleen Miller is seeking damages from Mundi 910 Victoria Enterprises Ltd., Choice Hotels Canada Inc.. the City of Prince George and Allpoints Fire Protection Ltd., for losses related to the death of Amos Miller, claiming she and her siblings were dependent on her brother for support.

Amos Miller was of particular help to one of his brothers after he became ill with cancer. At the time of his death, Amos had left his job as a carpenter for a year to care for him. 

Charleen Miller is claiming defendants negligently failed to ensure the motel had met safety standards in the event a fire had broken out. 

A class action lawsuit on behalf of the victims is also before the court. According to Charleen Miller's lawsuit, the siblings would prefer that their claims be handled as part of the class action and the separate action was filed to preserve their claims in the event they are not included as class action members.

In a separate action against the Province of British Columbia, also filed last week, they are challenging a section of the Family Compensation Act, contending it discriminates against them on the basis of race, family status and ethnic origin, contrary to the Charter. Amos Miller was a member of the West Moberly First Nation and 10 siblings are named as dependents in the lawsuits.

A criminal trial on the matter remains before the court. Justin Kyle Aster is accused of setting the blaze by lighting debris at the scene.