Canadian companies reframe their diversity efforts to unlock the full potential of changing workforce

Senior Advisor, Transport Canada

City: Winnipeg

Country of origin : India

Jaideep Johar, a Canadian living in Winnipeg is a shining example of resilience and unwavering dedication. His journey to Canada from India in 2005 marked the start of an incredible odyssey, despite a long struggle for 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, safeguard Mother Earth’s impacts of climate changes, support search and rescue efforts 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, 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 participates actively in the Winnipeg Pride Parade, a community event that supports the GSRDs (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diverse).

He has volunteered regularly at the Winnipeg Folklorama Festival which aims to promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. His wife Narinder, a daycare educator, his son Harsh (a business college student) and daughter Sage also participate in the Folklorama every 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 members of the community to volunteer for various organizations.

Additionally, he supports many 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.

He was invited to attend the Global Peace Summit, which took place 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.