Families Oppose Jaskirat Sidhu's Deportation Fight Over Humboldt Broncos Crash

The Immigration and Refugee Board in Calgary has removed Jaskirat Singh Sidhu’s permanent resident status and ordered his deportation, and the Canada Border Services Agency has requested his travel documents so it can begin removal proceedings, potentially within weeks. Sidhu, who pleaded guilty in 2019 to 16 counts of dangerous operation causing death and 13 counts causing bodily injury in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, faces imminent immigration action that would separate him from his Canadian wife and two young children.

The collision on a rural Saskatchewan road in 2018 killed 16 people and injured 13, a toll that included ten players aged 16 to 21 as well as support staff and the team’s coaches. It was found that Sidhu ran through a stop sign before colliding with the bus, a finding that figured in his criminal case. The RCMP charged Sidhu on July 6, 2018; he pleaded guilty in early 2019 and was sentenced to eight years in prison. According to reporting, Sidhu was granted full parole in 2023.

Immigration authorities moved after parole: one year after his release the IRB revoked Sidhu’s permanent resident status and ordered deportation, and a pre-removal risk assessment concluded he would not be in danger if returned to India. CBSA’s request for travel documents starts the practical phase of removal, though the timeline depends on processing and any legal challenges Sidhu intends to mount.

Sidhu told CBC in an exclusive interview that he will fight to stay, saying, “I want to fight for my family. All the legal avenues, whatever I have, I will pursue that.” His lawyer Michael Greene said the IRB order was not a surprise given Sidhu is not a Canadian citizen and vowed to contest removal on humanitarian and compassionate grounds, arguing in court that “He couldn’t be more remorseful,” and “He is still plagued by this every day of his life.” Sidhu immigrated to Canada from India in 2013 and, according to reporting, grew up on a farm before moving north.

The personal stakes are plain: Sidhu married Tanvir Mann months before the crash, and the couple have a nearly three-year-old son and a three-month-old daughter, both Canadian citizens. If removed, Sidhu may leave Canada alone while his wife and children remain. That prospect has fractured reaction among victims’ families and survivors.

Some families have said deportation is the right outcome. A person identified only as Herold told CBC, “He wouldn't have the two children that he has now, born in Canada, if this system would work the way it's supposed to. So in my heart, I'm not giving him a second chance. He's been here eight years too long already and he's not a Canadian resident and he is taxing our health care, taxing our legal system. I think it's time to move on.” Toby Boulet, father of Logan Boulet who died in the crash, said he and his wife were “thankful for the decision” to deport Sidhu. Others have forgiven Sidhu or urged mercy; survivor Kaleb Dahlgren, injured in the crash, has focused on rebuilding, graduating as a chiropractor and working with athletes.

Beyond the courtroom, the debate has played out in public forums and talk shows. Danielle Smith reflected on the complexity of the case, saying of Sidhu, “He’s married here and he did the honorable thing when he was found guilty. He didn’t fight it. He didn’t put the families through that, he owned up.” With CBSA seeking travel documents and Michael Greene preparing humanitarian and compassionate arguments, the legal fight over whether Sidhu stays in Canada is set to continue in courts while families of the 16 victims watch closely.