Thomas family not concerned by parole decision for semi driver in Broncos crash

A couple who lost their son in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash says the decision to grant day parole to Jaskirat Singh Sidhu is “no longer an issue that our family concerns itself with.”

In a statement Thursday, Scott Thomas said he and his family are aware that Sidhu was granted day parole during a hearing Wednesday and will be released on full parole in six months if he abides by conditions.

“We have said right from the day that Mr. Sidhu entered his guilty plea in Melfort that we did not care if his sentence was one day, 10 years or the rest of his life,” Thomas’s statement said. “We still feel that way.”

Evan Thomas was one of the 16 people who died after the Broncos’ bus collided with a semi driven by Sidhu in April 2018 near Tisdale. Thirteen people also were injured after Sidhu went through a stop sign into the path of the bus.

Scott Thomas said his family has moved forward in their efforts to “remember and celebrate” the life and legacy of their son and brother.

“The situation surrounding Mr. Sidhu’s penalty and release is no longer an issue that our family concerns itself with,” Thomas said.

“We would like to extend our love to the extended Broncos family and wish them the best in their grief journey.”

Sidhu is currently serving an eight-year sentence in an Alberta prison after pleading guilty to numerous counts of dangerous driving causing death and bodily harm.

He may still face deportation from Canada to his home country of India. The Immigration and Refugee Board will make the ultimate decision on whether Sidhu can remain in Canada.

The Canada Border Services Agency recommended in March that Sidhu be handed over to the Immigration and Refugee Board to decide if he should be deported. His lawyer is looking to argue against deportation in Federal Court.

Russ Harold’s son Adam was a member of the Broncos and on the bus when the crash occurred just over four years ago.

His son was one of 16 killed in the crash. Harold spoke to Global News and said while a decision is pending, he hopes families impacted won’t have to see Sidhu ever again.

“He is still in jail technically,” Harold stated. “I guess my hope is when the day he gets told parole, the immigration board is waiting to take him onto a plane and he’s gone forever out of our eyes so we can begin to forget about him.”