Indian-origin man loses bid to stay in Canada over 2018 truck crash

A rookie truck driver of Indian descent who caused a fatal incident in 2018 that left 16 people dead in Saskatchewan, Canada, has lost his application to remain in the nation.

Media reports state that on April 6, 2018, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s semi-trailer truck failed to stop at a highway intersection, resulting in the deaths of 16 people and the injuries of 13 others on a bus that was transporting the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and other passengers to a playoff game. Sidhu was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The Canada Border Services Agency had suggested that he be returned to India, but he had been granted parole earlier this year.

Sidhu’s requests for an order to the agency to reexamine the case and overturn its previous ruling were denied by a judge on Thursday.

According to CTV News, Sidhu had just been employed for less than a month prior to the 2018 disaster and was new to driving trucks.

In September, Michael Greene, his attorney, claimed in front of the Federal Court that border services authorities had disregarded Sidhu’s prior spotless criminal record and contrition.

Sidhu had just been employed for less than a month prior to the 2018 disaster and was new to driving trucks. In September, Michael Greene, his attorney, claimed in front of the Federal Court that border services authorities had disregarded Sidhu’s prior spotless criminal record and contrition.

In his ruling, Chief Justice Paul Crampton stated that border officers had taken into account Sidhu’s background as well as his “extraordinary degree of genuine, heart-wrenching remorse” and had been fair in their evaluation.

“The officer’s decision was appropriately justified, transparent and intelligible,” the report cited Crampton’s decision.

He continued by saying that, in light of the assessment, Sidhu may yet want to be let to remain for humanitarian and compassionate reasons.

Toby Boulet stated that he did not want Sidhu in Canada. Logan, his 21-year-old son, died in the collision.

“We have no ill feelings toward the man — we just don’t want to see him ever again,” Boulet was quoted as saying in the report.

“We don’t want to run into him. We don’t want to have an actual incidental passing with the gentleman. We want him gone — and gone means, in this case, deported,” he said.

Chris Joseph had been advocating for Sidhu’s deportation. Jaxon, Joseph’s 20-year-old son, also perished in the collision.

“It’s the right decision and sends the right message,” Joseph was quoted as saying in the report.

“It’s been five years of pain for our family and many other families.… For all of us, it’s been ongoing pain that’s never left,” he said.

The judge stated that after years of arduous labour building a life for himself and his wife in Canada, Sidhu now fears deportation to India.

(With agency inputs)