Canada Deporting Indian-Origin Driver in Fatal Crash That Killed 16

Key Takeaways:

The Humboldt Broncos bus crash in April 2018 caused 16 deaths and 13 injuries, involving truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu.
Sidhu, sentenced to eight years for dangerous driving, faces deportation which may take months or years to finalize.
Legal attempts to review Sidhu’s deportation considering his clean record were rejected; humanitarian grounds are being explored.

What Is the Background of the Humboldt Broncos Crash?

In April 2018, a devastating bus crash occurred near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Canada, involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, an Indian-origin truck driver, ran a stop sign at a rural intersection, leading to a catastrophic collision with the team’s bus. This tragic accident resulted in 16 deaths and 13 injuries.

Canada Deporting Indian-Origin Driver in Fatal Crash That Killed 16

Sidhu, who holds permanent resident status in Canada, was sentenced to eight years for dangerous driving. Despite his previously clean criminal record and demonstrated remorse, the incident has led to the initiation of his deportation process.

Why is Jaskirat Singh Sidhu Facing Deportation?

“The deportation decision was inevitable,” said Michael Greene, Sidhu’s lawyer, stating that the only requirements are proof that Sidhu is not a Canadian citizen and that he committed a serious crime. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada confirmed the deportation, setting a hearing in Calgary for Sidhu.

While Sidhu received parole after his sentencing, there are still several legal procedures to complete before deportation. This process could extend for months or even years, as noted by Greene.

What Legal Steps Have Been Taken So Far?

Earlier in December, Sidhu’s lawyer filed applications arguing that border officials did not consider Sidhu’s clean record before the crash and his genuine remorse. The Federal Court, however, rejected these applications, declining the request for border officials to conduct a second review.

“This is part of the sadness of the whole process. We’re left with a situation where permanent residents have no rights whatsoever to have their personal circumstances considered,” Greene mentioned, reflecting on the inflexibility of the system.

Can Sidhu Avoid Immediate Custody?

Sidhu will not be taken into custody immediately following the hearing in Calgary. He is required to undergo a pre-removal risk assessment and can request a deferral while his permanent resident status request is under consideration. According to Greene, this process could also take several months or years.

What Do the Victims’ Families Say?

Family members of those affected by the Humboldt Broncos crash have voiced their desires for Sidhu’s deportation. They believe that the deportation is warranted given the severity of the incident.

Sidhu was a newly married permanent resident from India at the time of the crash. Amid these tragic circumstances, his case raises broader questions about the rights and protections available to permanent residents in Canada. Further details on deportation processes and permanent resident rights can be found on the official Canadian immigration website.

What Actions Can Be Taken on Humanitarian Grounds?

“After he’s ordered deported, we’re going to ask them to give back his permanent resident status on humanitarian grounds,” Greene added. However, until this happens, Sidhu remains without official status in Canada. The steps toward seeking a return of his status would involve complex legal and bureaucratic processes, further complicating an already fraught situation.

Conclusion

The tragic accident that led to the deaths of 16 hockey team members has set off a complex legal and emotional process, both for the victims’ families and for Jaskirat Singh Sidhu. The deportation of this Indian-origin driver brings to light the stringent measures under Canadian immigration law and highlights the profound impact of serious crimes on permanent resident status.

As this story unfolds, it will undoubtedly continue to evoke strong emotions and opinions on both sides. For more detailed information on Canada deportation laws and the rights of permanent residents, you can visit the official Canadian immigration website.

This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of severe traffic violations and the enduring effects on those involved.

Learn Today:

Immigration Glossary

Permanent Resident
- Definition: An individual who has been granted the right to live and work in a country indefinitely but is not a citizen of that country. In this context, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu holds permanent resident status in Canada.
Deportation
- Definition: The formal removal of a foreign national from a country for violating immigration laws or committing a serious crime. Sidhu faces deportation from Canada after being convicted of dangerous driving.
Pre-removal Risk Assessment (PRRA)
- Definition: A process that evaluates the risk an individual might face if deported to their home country. Sidhu must undergo a PRRA before his deportation can proceed.
Humanitarian Grounds
- Definition: Considerations used in legal and immigration contexts to grant exemptions or relief based on compassionate factors. Sidhu’s lawyer plans to request the restoration of his permanent resident status on humanitarian grounds.
Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
- Definition: An independent administrative tribunal responsible for making decisions on immigration and refugee matters, including deportation cases. The IRB confirmed Sidhu’s deportation and scheduled a hearing.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In April 2018, the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team’s bus collided with a truck in Saskatchewan. The crash tragically resulted in 16 deaths and 13 injuries. The truck driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, was sentenced to eight years for dangerous driving and now faces deportation due to the severity of the crime.
— By VisaVerge.com

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