Bill C-71: Proposed changes to Canada’s citizenship laws

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. 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, ethics and morals, helped him adapt to a new environment. Johar, utilizing his professional abilities, has actively assisted new migrants in their settlement journey. 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 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 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, 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 actively engages in organizations such as Global Citizen, David Suzuki Foundation Rotary International, CASARA Royal Canadian Legion Winnipeg Committee for Safety World BEYOND War and Rotary Club.

He is a regular participant in the Winnipeg Pride Parade, a celebration of the GSRD community (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 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 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 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 has appeared in several news articles both in Canada and abroad.

He recently joined the Naval Reserves to serve his nation.