Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal is attempting to prevent the deportation of the Humboldt Broncos crash driver who was jailed for dangerous driving leading to the deaths of 16 Canadians.
Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is the truck driver who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving that resulted in the death of 16 Canadians after crashing with the vehicle holding the Humboldt Broncos junior ice hockey team for failing to stop at a stop sign.
Chahal has publicly advocated for Sidhu to remain in Canada and emailed his Liberal caucus colleagues regarding his stance.
“It was a tragic accident that he was involved in, pleaded guilty, and served his time,” Chahal said.
“Mr. Sidhu is my constituent, and I’ve had the opportunity over the past several days to meet with him, his wife, and his child, and he has asked for forgiveness,” he added.
During an Immigration and Refugee Board hearing in Calgary on May 24th, Sidhu was ordered to be deported.
Trent Cook, who oversaw the hearing, told Sidhu, “I can’t consider humanitarian and compassionate factors. My sole role today is to make a finding on whether the minister has established the facts that support their allegation that you’re inadmissible for serious criminality.”
He added, “I am satisfied that the minister’s report is well founded. I am required by law to issue you with a deportation order.”
Because Sidhu is not a Canadian citizen and admitted his responsibility for the incident, the law states he is inadmissible to Canada and committed a serious crime.
Sidhu’s lawyer, Michael Greene, said he expected this outcome, calling it a “forgone conclusion.”
“The real question that’s got to be asked here is, what purpose is served by removing Mr. Sidhu? He’s already paid a huge price. And he’s definitely not a danger to the public. Nobody thinks he’s a danger,” said Greene.
Chahal is planning to travel across Canada and is hoping to gather support for Sidhu to remain in the country and become a permanent resident.
Humboldt Broncos’ tragic crash
Six years ago, 16 people died following the Humboldt Broncos collision, including some children, while 13 were left seriously injured.
Sidhu drove a semi-truck through an intersection with a stop sign, ultimately colliding with the bus carrying the team while on their way to Nipawin, Saskatchewan, for a Junior Hockey League playoff game.
One of the individuals who survived the crash, Ryan Straschnitzki, became paralyzed from the chest down following the incident.
Chahal stated he would be open to speaking to family members of the team involved in the crash if they were interested.
