The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) granted killer trucker Jaskirat Singh Sidhu day parole for six months..In 2018, Sidhu hit the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team bus, killing 16 and injuring 13 people..On Wednesday at the Bowden Institution, a two-member parole board panel gave Sidhu full parole after six months if he follows all the conditions of his day parole..Sidhu was instructed to have no contact with the families of the Broncos victims..The crash happened when Sidhu went through a stop sign and hit the Broncos team bus on the way to a playoff game and was given eight years in prison..Four families who lost their children in the crash asked the PBC to deny parole..Shauna Nordstrom, whose son Logan Hunter died, asked the PBC to hold Sidhu accountable for his actions and deport him and his wife back to India..“Where is the faith where we hold people accountable to our laws? I’ve lost all faith in justice in our country to ensure we are safe on the roads,” said Nordstrom..“This couple wanted to start a life together, but if our rules are broken there are consequences, and your consequence is serving your sentence and then deportation. You really messed up your one chance.”.“My son did not get a chance and we are serving a life sentence.”.Andrea Joseph, whose son Jaxon died in the crash, called Sidhu a “very selfish human being.”.“I want you to know I have not stopped crying for my baby boy. I have not stopped whispering good night to my baby boy and hope he will come and visit me in my dreams,” said Joseph..“Please do not grant this man day parole. It would crumple my heart, my family’s hearts and Canadians’ hearts who have children and want their children protected.”.Russ Herold, whose son Adam died, said Sidhu being allowed parole makes him sick..“The thought of Mr. Sidhu out on parole this soon is disappointing and further hurts our healing process. My son had no choice,” said Herold..“He was an innocent passenger on a bus, going to his hockey game, minding his own business.”.On Wednesday afternoon, the parole panel questioned Sidhu about the inconsistencies in his statements. .Sidhu told the RCMP that the sun was in his eyes and told his boss that a flapping tarp distracted his driving..Sidhu did not call 911 or help the victims..“There was ample opportunity for you to respond to do something. Why didn’t you go and help?” asked the panel chair..“I didn’t know what to do when I saw blood. I saw people on the ground. I heard people crying. I just froze,” said Sidhu..After victim statements, Sidhu apologized to everyone affected by his actions..“I want the parole board to know that what I did was very horrible, destroyed so many families’ lives. I deeply hurt every one of them,” said Sidhu..“I destroyed their dreams, destroyed their future, and now I have given them unbearable pain. I’m sorry for the pain that I have caused. I’m sorry for destroying their lives. I’m sorry for not being careful that day.”.In March, the Canada Border Services Agency recommended Sidhu be sent to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB)..The IRB can deport Sidhu and his lawyer is in Federal Court arguing against the move.
