A British Columbia man with a long history of driving offenses is facing potential deportation after being sentenced for impaired driving. Gurinder Pal Singh Bajwa, a 57-year-old permanent resident of Canada, has accumulated 32 driving prohibitions and 16 24-hour driving bans over the years. His latest arrest occurred on May 11, 2022, when he rear-ended a vehicle in a parking lot while driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.

Bajwa previously avoided deportation in 2019 after receiving a five-month and 29-day sentence for a similar impaired driving conviction. However, this time, he was unable to convince Judge David Patterson to impose a lighter sentence that would prevent immigration consequences. Under Canadian law, any sentence exceeding six months can lead to deportation.

Judge Patterson stated, "To accede to Mr. Bajwa’s request for a conditional sentence or a reduction of the jail time on either count for the impact of the collateral immigration consequences to Mr. Bajwa... would bring the administration of justice into disrepute and result in an inappropriate and artificial sentence; in other words, an unfit sentence."

Bajwa immigrated to Canada from Punjab, India, over 34 years ago. His first driving prohibition was issued on March 19, 1993. The judge noted Bajwa's extensive criminal record, which includes numerous infractions under the Criminal Code and the Motor Vehicle Act. The Crown recommended a sentence of nine to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a five-year driving prohibition for the impaired driving charge, along with an additional four months for driving while prohibited.

In his decision, Judge Patterson expressed disbelief at the Crown's recommendation of only a four-month consecutive sentence for driving while prohibited, stating, "Given the circumstances of the offence, it is hard to imagine a more suitable case for the two-year less-a-day maximum sentence allowed."

Bajwa's lawyer argued for a conditional sentence or a sentence similar to his previous one, which would allow him to remain in Canada. The court heard that Bajwa has no family in India and is currently going through a divorce, which he attributes to his alcohol issues. The judge highlighted a troubling incident where Bajwa, intoxicated at his daughter’s wedding, assaulted her by smacking a plate of food from her hand. This led to a conviction for assault and a 60-day jail sentence, followed by an 18-month probation order.

Bajwa has claimed that his alcohol problems began during his time as a roofer, where he often drank with co-workers. Following his 2022 arrest, he began to address his issues by quitting alcohol and attending counseling sessions. He now lives with a close friend and is involved in the Vernon Sikh community.

Despite these efforts, Judge Patterson emphasized Bajwa's high level of moral blameworthiness. He acknowledged the potential impact of a lengthy jail sentence on Bajwa, including the risk of deportation. In February 2024, Bajwa received a letter from the Canada Border Services Agency indicating he may be inadmissible to Canada due to serious criminality.

Ultimately, Judge Patterson sentenced Bajwa to 198 days in jail for the impaired driving conviction, fined him $2,000, and imposed a three-year driving ban. Additionally, he received another 120 days for driving while prohibited, resulting in a total of approximately 10 months in jail.