How to foster collaboration among multi-generational workers

Senior Advisor, Transport Canada

City: Winnipeg

Country of origin : India

Jaideep Johar’s story is one of unwavering commitment and resilience in Winnipeg, Canada. In 2005, his journey from India to Canada marked the start of a remarkable adventure despite a year long struggle to find employment.

His perseverance, sincerity, and strong belief in ethics and values helped him adapt to the new environment. Johar has helped new immigrants settle in by utilizing his best professional skills. He collaborates with a variety of organizations to promote equity, diversity, and inclusivity. He also works with them to ensure sustainable living, protect Mother Earth from climate change impacts, support search and rescue efforts, and promote pride.

With a Ship Captain Certificate and a bachelor’s of maritime studies from Memorial University, Newfoundland, along with his pursuit of a master’s degree in marine management, Johar’s credentials underscore his extensive expertise in the maritime field, spanning over 30 years. Johar began his career in the Merchant Navy when he was 18 years old. He has sailed the seas of the world as a captain. Before his current role as a senior advisor with Transport Canada’s Prairie and Northern Region’s Marine Safety and Security branch, he contributed his skills to BC Ferries. Johar held various management positions during his career. He was also the regional director of Transportation Security and Emergency Preparedness.

His leadership is apparent in his efforts to enhance maritime safety measures, advocate environmental conservation, and foster collaboration with Indigenous Communities. He is a spokesperson for a video with Inuktitut subtitles, which has received widespread praise for efforts to safeguard Canada’s pristine waters. Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YOiNPVwdiU

Despite the demands of a full-time career and the responsibilities that come with a young family he goes beyond his own needs to help the community. His ability, while balancing his personal and professional life, to engage in volunteer work is commendable.

As chairperson of Winnipeg Public Library Board he led efforts in promoting cultural diversity, improving community safety, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Johar is involved with many organizations, including the Global Citizen Movement, David Suzuki Foundation and Rotary International Club. He also works with CASARA, Royal Canadian Legion Winnipeg Committee for Safety, World BEYOND War, and Rotary International Club.

He is a regular participant in the Winnipeg Pride Parade, a celebration of the GSRD community (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diverse).

He has volunteered regularly at the Winnipeg Folklorama Festival which aims to promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. His family, including wife Narinder Johar who is a daycare teacher and son Harsh a student at a business school, and daughter Sage participate in the Folklorama each year. Harsh Johar and Sage Sage were recently selected as Ambassadors for Punjab Pavilion at Folklorama.

His collaborations and partnership, such as his work with Forester Care Insurance, to raise money for Harvest Manitoba, Toys for Daycare, and Beds for Children highlight his commitment to making a positive difference. He has inspired many community members to become volunteers for different organizations.

Additionally, he supports a number of organizations including the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. Covenant House. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The Kidney Foundation.

Johar’s accolades include the prestigious Hind Rattan Award (Jewel of India) and the India Canada Culture and Heritage Association Distinguished Service Award.

Recently, he was invited by the University of Oxford to the Global Peace Summit. He has received recognition from deputy ministers of Transport Canada and the regional director general from Crown–Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) for his outstanding contribution to working with Indigenous communities, representing the Government of Canada. He received the National Creativity and Transformation Team award and has been acknowledged by Indigenous Canada for his participation in Treaty Annuities. Johar’s name has appeared in numerous news articles in Canada as well as abroad.

He recently joined the Naval Reserves to serve his nation.