Federal judge upholds ruling that trucker in Humboldt Broncos bus crash could be deported
A federal judge has dismissed a bid to avoid deportation by the semi-truck driver responsible for the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy in 2018.
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu was handed an eight-year sentence in 2019 after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm in the Saskatchewan crash that killed 16 people and injured 13 others. He was new to truck driving and had been on the job less than a month before the tragedy.
In a federal court ruling released on Thursday, a judge denied Sidhu's request to set aside a March 2022 Canada Border Services Agency decision calling for his deportation.
Sidhu is a permanent resident, and under federal law, can be subject to deportation in the instance of a serious criminal offence. He was granted parole earlier this year.
Toby Boulet, who lost his son Logan in the crash, says at this point he wants to see Sidhu deported.
"We don't want him to sit in jail for 75 years. I don't think that's fair. Our son passed, 15 others passed 13 lives have been destroyed for the rest of their life. Their loved ones, their friends, the billets ... they're all just destroyed," Boulet said.
"We just want him to go away. We think that will make our lives better as we move forward."
Another Broncos parent, Scott Thomas, who lost his son Evan, has supported Sidhu's attempts to remain in Canada.
"I know, Mr. Sidhu is in a prison in his own mind for the rest of his life no matter where he is. So, you know, I thought justice was was served before this ruling came down and unfortunately for Mr. Sidhu, he's going to have to be deported," Thomas told CTV News.
"You know, one of the things that we did initially, and we still do, we forgive Mr. Sidhu. It wasn't so much to set Mr. Sidhu free, but it was to set our family free. While I feel sad for Mr. Sidhu that he has to leave, for our family, we're just going to continue going forward."
Sidhu's lawyer Michael Greene said Sidhu and his wife were disappointed by the judge's ruling.
"They were hoping for a better outcome. It was not to be," Greene said.
Sidhu will still be subject to an Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) hearing, where a final decision will be made concerning his deportation.
"Hopefully we'll get a more sympathetic ear in that hearing, which is before different agency," Greene said.
In his decision, Chief Justice Paul Crampton noted that Sidhu also still has the option of applying for permanent residency on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
According to Greene, Sidhu "absolutely" intends to apply.
--With files from Stacey Hein, Bill Fortier and The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING NEWS 'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Signs of Alzheimer’s were everywhere. Then his brain improved
Blood biomarkers of telltale signs of early Alzheimer’s disease in the brain of his patient, 55-year-old entrepreneur Simon Nicholls, had all but disappeared in a mere 14 months.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean "Diddy" Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was "truly sorry" and his actions were "inexcusable."
Helicopter carrying Iran's president suffers a 'hard landing,' state TV says, and rescue is underway
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi suffered a "hard landing" on Sunday, Iranian state media reported, without elaborating. Some began urging the public to pray for Raisi and the others on board as rescue crews sped through a misty, rural forest where his helicopter was believed to be.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Residents evacuated after threats made to residence in Fall River, N.S.
Nova Scotia RCMP are warning the public to avoid the area around Canterbury Lane in Fall River after a threat was made at a residence.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Five things to know about the NHL playoffs
Today is an off day for the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers as they prepare for Monday's winner-take-all Game 7 showdown at Rogers Arena.