Truck driver responsible for infamous Humboldt Broncos bus crash fights deportation order to stay in Canada

He has applied to have his permanent residence status returned and a deportation order from Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board reversed, the National Post reports. Sidhu came to Canada in 2014 from India.

He was responsible for the deadly collision in 2018 when he ran a stop sign and crashed right into Saskatchewan's Humboldt Broncos team bus, killing 16 and injuring 13 others. The deadly accident occurred near the small northern Saskatchewan town of Tisdale. Sidhu was inexperienced at driving a truck.

In a high-profile trial, Sidhu pleaded guilty to dangerous driving offenses and received an eight-year sentence. He was allowed full parole in 2023. Sidhu's lawyer, Michael Greene, says Sidhu is attempting to block his deportation and regain his permanent residence status on humanitarian grounds.

"The test is what would a reasonable person want to relieve the misfortunes of this individual," Greene said, according to the Post. "Now, it's against the horrific nature of the consequences of his mistake. He pretty much has everything else going for him in terms of humanitarian grounds."

A decision on the matter is expected to take up to two years, during which time the immigration board will assess "how well he's established in Canada, what kind of family ties and community ties," according to Greene.

The board will also examine how deportation would affect the life of the child that Sidhu has with his wife. The infant suffers from chronic health problems. Surviving family members of those killed in the collision are divided on whether Sidhu should be deported or allowed to stay in Canada.

The Reconciliation Action Group, a group that usually promotes the rights of indigenous Canadians, has suggested that racism is at the root of the decision to deport Sidhu.

"The Reconciliation Action Group stands against his deportation, that is based on racial biases. Mr. Sidhu has a Canadian wife and Canadian-born child with health issues and his deportation will harm them," read a statement from the organization.