National Indigenous History Month will be marked by special programming

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, sincerity, and strong belief in ethics and values helped him adapt to the new environment. Johar has helped new immigrants settle in by leveraging his professional skills. He collaborates with a variety of organizations to promote equity, diversity and inclusivity, safeguard Mother Earth’s impacts from climate change, 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 navigated seas 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 has held a variety of managerial positions throughout his career, including as the regional director for the Transportation Security and Emergency Preparedness Branch.

His leadership is apparent in his efforts to enhance maritime safety measures, advocate environmental conservation and encourage 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

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 volunteered regularly at the Winnipeg Folklorama Festival which aims to promote cultural understanding and celebrate diversity. 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 annually in Folklorama. 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 members of the community to volunteer for various organizations.

He also supports a number of organizations, such as 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 a number of news articles in Canada as well as abroad.

He recently joined the Naval Reserves to serve his nation.