Truck driver responsible for deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash to face deportation hearing

The truck driver responsible for the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, is facing the possibility of deportation to India. Sidhu, a rookie truck driver from Calgary, caused the tragic accident when he ran a stop sign and collided with the junior hockey team’s bus, resulting in the death of 16 people and injuring 13 others.

Sidhu pleaded guilty to dangerous driving offences and served an eight-year prison sentence, being granted full parole last year. However, a criminal conviction carrying a sentence of more than six months makes a permanent resident ineligible to stay in the country, and Sidhu landed in Canada as a permanent resident in 2014.

The Canada Border Services Agency recommended deportation two years ago, leading to a legal battle where Sidhu’s lawyer, Michael Greene, argued that Sidhu’s clean criminal record and remorse were not considered. Despite their efforts, the Federal Court dismissed the applications in December, leaving Sidhu facing potential deportation.

Greene mentioned that after the hearing, Sidhu won’t be immediately taken into custody as a pre-removal risk assessment needs to be conducted. Sidhu can also request a deferral while his application for permanent resident status is reviewed, a process that could take months or even years.

Several family members of the victims have expressed their desire for Sidhu to be deported, adding emotional weight to the legal proceedings surrounding this tragic event.