The man responsible for the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash could be deported to India within weeks, potentially leaving behind his wife and two young children. While his family pleads for him to remain in Canada, some families of the victims believe he should have been removed from the country years ago.
Deportation Process Underway
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu was behind the wheel of the semi-truck that collided with the Saskatchewan junior hockey team’s bus on April 6, 2018, killing 16 players and staff and injuring 13 others. Sidhu pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2019 – the longest sentence in Canadian history for that crime without the involvement of alcohol, drugs, or purposeful behaviour.
After being granted full parole in 2023, the Immigration and Refugee Board removed Sidhu’s permanent resident status and ordered his deportation one year later. A recent pre-removal risk assessment determined Sidhu would not be in danger if deported to India, and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has requested his travel documents.
Family’s Dilemma
Sidhu married Tanvir Mann months before the accident, and they now have a nearly three-year-old son and a three-month-old daughter, both Canadian citizens. Their son was born with a rare lung disorder, and doctors have warned that the air quality in India could pose a health risk. Sidhu and Mann are grappling with the decision of whether to take their family with him.
“Nobody wants to be separated from their family, you know?” Sidhu said. He added that he still experiences nightmares about the crash and is receiving therapy for PTSD and major depressive disorder, expressing remorse to the players and families affected.
Mann expressed concern for her husband’s well-being, noting his limited support network in India and potential stigma surrounding mental health care. She also worries about balancing her husband’s needs with the health requirements of their son and her own career as a nurse.
Victims’ Families React
Russ Herold, whose son Adam was among those killed in the crash, believes Sidhu should have been deported years ago. He questioned the fairness of considering Sidhu’s humanitarian grounds for remaining in Canada, stating, “We can never replace our children.”
Other perspectives emphasize forgiveness and compassion. Kaleb Dahlgren, a survivor of the crash, believes Sidhu has already paid for his actions and doesn’t deserve deportation. Christina Haugan, widow of the team’s head coach Darcy Haugan, said she has forgiven Sidhu and hopes he can find happiness, arguing deportation won’t bring back those who were lost and will only harm his family.
Legal and Future Options
Sidhu’s immigration lawyer, Michael Greene, has filed an application for him to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Greene is also seeking a temporary deferral of Sidhu’s removal while the application is processed, which could take up to two years. If the application is approved, Sidhu could return to Canada; if not, Mann could potentially sponsor him as her spouse after a ten-year waiting period.
Greene described the case as a “litmus test for Canadians,” questioning the balance between punishment and compassion. Sidhu expressed hope that Canada remains a country of second chances, but acknowledges the possibility of being separated from his family.
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