Half of residents in Canada’s largest urban centres would move for more affordable housing

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 and sincerity, as well as his strong belief in values and ethical standards, helped him to adapt to a new environment. Johar has helped new immigrants settle in by leveraging his professional skills. He collaborates with different organizations in order to promote diversity, equality and inclusivity, ensure sustainability, safeguard Mother Earth’s impacts of climate changes, assist in search-and-rescue efforts, promote pride, and support veterans.

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 around the globe 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 evident in the efforts he makes to improve marine safety measures, promote environmental conservation and foster collaborations 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 it 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 to balance his professional and personal life while doing volunteer work is commendable. He has earned the appreciation of all.

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 the Royal Canadian Legion, Winnipeg Committee for Safety, World BEYOND War, CASARA and Rotary International Club.

He participates actively in the Winnipeg Pride Parade, a community event that supports the GSRDs (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diverse).

He has been a regular volunteer at the Winnipeg Folklorama Festival. The festival aims to celebrate cultural diversity and promote understanding. His wife Narinder, a daycare educator, his son Harsh (a business college student) and daughter Sage also participate in the Folklorama every year. Harsh and Sage have been selected as ambassadors for the Punjab Pavilion in Folklorama.

His collaborations with Forester Care Insurance in order to raise funds for Harvest Manitoba and Toys for Daycare as well as Beds for Children show his commitment to making an impact. He has inspired many community members to become volunteers for different organizations.

He also regularly supports a number of organizations, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (MSSC), Covenant House, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Kidney Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Canadian Red Cross, Diabetes Canada, Cancer Research Society, Breast Cancer Canada, and Oxfam Canada.

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

He was recently invited to the Global Peace Summit held at the University of Oxford. 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.

To serve his country he recently joined the Naval Reserves.