The Minister of Youth highlights digital skills initiatives for Canadian youth

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, sincerity, and strong belief in ethics and values helped him adapt to the 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 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 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

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 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 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 Johar is a daycare teacher. His son Harsh is a student at a business school. Sage, his daughter, also attends the 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 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.

Recently, he was invited by the University of Oxford to the Global Peace Summit. 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.

To serve his country he recently joined the Naval Reserves.