February 6, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
SASKATOON, Canada — A refugee claim by Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the truck driver convicted of dangerous driving in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, has been rejected by Canadian authorities, the Global News reported on Friday. The decision ends the latest chapter of Sidhu’s attempt to remain in Canada following his criminal conviction.
Sidhu, who is originally from India, was behind the wheel of a semi-trailer that collided with the Humboldt Broncos hockey team’s bus near Armley, Saskatchewan, in April 2018. The crash killed 16 people and injured 13 others a tragedy that deeply affected communities across Canada and drew national attention to road safety and commercial driver standards.
After serving his criminal sentence for dangerous driving causing death and injury, Sidhu sought to remain in Canada by applying for refugee status, arguing that returning to his home country would put him at risk of persecution or harm due to his conviction and the high-profile nature of the case.
Federal immigration authorities reviewed the claim and ultimately determined that Sidhu did not qualify for refugee protection under Canadian law. The conclusion by the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) was that his case did not meet the legal criteria for refugee status, which generally requires a well-founded fear of persecution on grounds such as race, religion, nationality, or political opinion not criminal conviction.
Sidhu’s legal team has been given the opportunity to appeal the decision or seek other avenues for staying in Canada, such as humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications. However, sources say that the rejection makes it likely that Sidhu will face possible removal from Canada if he cannot successfully secure another form of legal status.
Supporters advocating for Sidhu’s continued residence in Canada have argued that he has demonstrated remorse, complied with his criminal sentence, and built ties to the community. They have also referenced aspects of Canadian refugee and immigration policy that allow decision-makers to consider individual circumstances beyond strict legal criteria.
Opponents of Sidhu’s bid to remain in Canada including some families of victims have opposed the refugee claim, stating that his conviction was serious and that refugee protection should not apply to someone involved in such a high-profile fatal collision. They argue that the legal process should be allowed to run its course, including any appeals, but that refugee law is not the proper avenue.
The IRB’s decision comes amid ongoing public reflection on the legacy of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, which led to changes in safety protocols for road transport and renewed emphasis on shared road-use responsibilities across Canada.
As of this report, Sidhu’s legal representatives have not publicly confirmed whether they will file an appeal or pursue other legal options to challenge the rejection of the refugee claim.