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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 an ongoing struggle to find work.

His perseverance and sincerity, as well as his strong belief in values and ethical standards, helped him to 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 as a merchant navy captain at the age of 18. He has navigated seas around the world as a ship’s 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 a number of management positions during his career. He was 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 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 is a community-minded person who goes above and past his personal needs despite his full-time work and the responsibilities he has with a young family. 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 actively involved with organizations like the Global Citizen movement and David Suzuki Foundation. He also engages with 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 family, including wife Narinder Johar who is a daycare teacher and son Harsh who is a student at a business school, and daughter Sage participate in the Folklorama each 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 members of the community to volunteer for various organizations.

He also regularly supports several 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.

He recently joined the Naval Reserves to serve his nation.