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Want to see how our system works? /1 Driver responsible for deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash fighting deportation
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/broncos-crash-semi-driver-deportation-lawyer-1.5781607
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatoon/broncos-crash-semi-driver-deportation-lawyer-1.5781607
Jaskirat Sidhu came to Canada as a student to be with his partner. He got a job at a trucking company, one of many known to hire new immigrants. This Globe investigation outlines how immigrants end up there because they’re told it will help get Residency https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-foreign-truck-drivers-canada-immigration-investigation/
He was hired 3 weeks before the crash and his lawyer noted he had minimal driving skill and no training. Again not uncommon for these companies. He takes the job likely as many new immigrants desperately take work they think will help them build a life in Canada. /3
The deadly crash happened as he “was nervously checking tarps in his rear view mirror when he missed signs warning him to stop ahead”. He killed 16 youth and was sentenced to 8 years in prison. /4
As outlined in the article above, many thought 8 years was a harsh penalty and he should appeal. He refused. Meanwhile when premier Scott Moe killed a woman while driving, he was let off with a parking ticket. /5
Canada also calls for deportation of permanent residents who commit certain criminal offences - draconian measures brought by Harper’s government allowing people to be deported for infractions like fistfights, shoplifting and dangerous driving- https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.thestar.com/amp/opinion/editorials/2012/11/17/conservatives_bill_to_deport_foreign_criminals_goes_too_far.html /6
I have over the years had several patients caught up in this. Many of whom had PR for years and didn’t apply for citizenship due to mental illness or poverty (there is a fee and a test). And they faced deportation to countries they barely knew. /7
Why do we feel people must be punished twice? And in this case for a man caught up in a system that preys on new immigrants, leaving him to solely bear the consequences of the deadly horrific outcome. /8
This is yet another way that immigrants are reminded to “keep their heads down” and “stay in line”. It didn’t surprise me to read that Sidhu didn’t appeal his sentence. He likely, as many immigrants do, believes in a system that doesn’t believe in him. /9
