The top 25 Canadian immigrants award winners for 2024 are announced

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 professional skills. He works with different organizations to promote diversity and equity, as well as inclusivity. He also helps safeguard Mother Earth and protect it from climate change.

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 improve marine safety, advocate for conservation of the environment 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 it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YOiNPVwdiU

He goes above and beyond the needs of his family and his demanding job to give back to 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 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 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 dedication to making an impact. He has inspired members of the community to volunteer for various 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 and Breast Cancer 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 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.

He recently joined the Naval Reserves to serve his nation.