Truck Driver Involved in Deadly Canada Bus Crash Faces Deportation to India

In a significant development from Canada, an Indian-origin truck driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, has been ordered for deportation to India following his involvement in a tragic accident that claimed the lives of 16 individuals. The calamity struck in 2018 when Sidhu, failing to stop at a sign, collided with the bus of the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in Saskatchewan. The crash not only resulted in fatalities but also left 13 people injured, as reported by CityNews Calgary.

The decision for Sidhu's deportation was made during an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing in Calgary. Michael Greene, Sidhu's lawyer, remarked that the outcome was anticipated given the nature of Sidhu's status as a non-Canadian citizen and his conviction for a grave offense. Sidhu, who hails from India and held permanent resident status in Canada, was previously sentenced to eight years for dangerous driving connected to the 2018 incident.

Despite the ruling, Greene highlighted that there are still numerous legal avenues to explore, indicating that the deportation process could extend over a considerable period. In December, efforts by Sidhu's legal team to prompt a second review by border officials were dismissed by the Federal Court. The dismissal came after arguments were made regarding Sidhu's clean prior criminal record and his expressed remorse were not adequately considered.

Greene expressed disappointment over the rigid stance on permanent residents' rights, or the lack thereof, to have their personal circumstances factored into such decisions. He mentioned plans to request the reinstatement of Sidhu's permanent resident status on humanitarian grounds following the deportation order. However, he noted that Sidhu would not be detained immediately post-hearing. A pre-removal risk assessment is pending, and Sidhu has the option to request a deferral while his application for permanent residency is under review—a process Greene anticipates could span months or years.

The incident has deeply affected the families of those who perished in the crash, with several expressing their desire for Sidhu's deportation. This case has brought to light the complexities surrounding immigration laws and the consequences faced by individuals on permanent residency involved in serious criminal activities.