Families affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash are grappling with the possibility of Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s imminent deportation to India. Having caused the devastating incident in April 2018 that claimed 16 lives, Sidhu’s legal representative has confirmed that Canada’s immigration authorities have rejected one of his final appeals to remain in the country.
Legal Developments
Michael Greene, Sidhu’s lawyer, announced on Thursday that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has dismissed a request regarding Sidhu’s residency status. This ruling sets in motion the protocols for the Canada Border Services Agency to facilitate his removal. Greene stated, “The wheels are set in motion now, and the CBSA is under a legal obligation to remove people as soon as possible.” Although the timeline for deportation remains uncertain, Greene intends to seek a deferral until a separate application regarding Sidhu’s permanent resident status is resolved.
The Tragic Incident
Sidhu, who had only just begun his career as a truck driver in Calgary, ran a stop sign, colliding with the bus transporting the junior hockey team at a rural intersection near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. The incident resulted in profound national grief, with tributes pouring in for the victims. In a court proceeding, Sidhu pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced to eight years in prison. His criminal record, which includes a conviction carrying a sentence exceeding six months, now precludes him from retaining his permanent residency in Canada.
Family and Emotional Toll
Grieving families, including those of the victims, have expressed their views on Sidhu’s potential deportation. Chris Joseph, who lost his 20-year-old son Jaxon in the crash, articulated his hope that Sidhu’s removal from Canada would bring some measure of closure for those affected. “If we lose everything else but he gets deported, that might be the only thing that gives us a little bit of peace,” Joseph remarked, indicating that such an outcome could be a step toward forgiveness, albeit a complicated one.
Greene noted the ongoing psychological strain on Sidhu and his family, particularly concerning their two children, one of whom has significant medical needs. “This Sword of Damocles is hanging over them and never goes away,” he explained. The lawyer emphasised that while some have found it within themselves to forgive Sidhu, he remains burdened by his actions and continues to seek counselling.
The Next Steps
Greene has indicated that he is currently reviewing the decision regarding the pre-removal risk assessment, which was also denied, and may challenge it in Federal Court. He plans to request a deferral during the humanitarian application process for restoring Sidhu’s permanent residency. Without this deferral, Greene anticipates that Sidhu could be deported within the next few months.
Why it Matters
The potential deportation of Jaskirat Singh Sidhu serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on families and communities across Canada. As these families seek a sense of justice and closure, Sidhu’s case highlights the complexities of immigration law, criminal accountability, and the pursuit of healing in the wake of tragedy. The ongoing legal proceedings reflect not only the individual struggles of those directly involved but also resonate deeply within the broader societal context of grief and forgiveness.
