Senior Advisor, Transport Canada
City: Winnipeg
Country of origin: India
In the heart of Canada in Winnipeg, Jaideep Johar is a testament to resilience and unwavering commitment. His journey from India to Canada in 2005 marked the beginning of a remarkable odyssey despite a year-long struggle to secure employment.
His perseverance, sincerity and strong belief in values and ethics facilitated his adaptation to the new environment. Leveraging his best professional capabilities, Johar has actively assisted new immigrants in their settlement journey. He collaborates with various organizations to promote diversity, equity and inclusivity, ensure sustainable living, safeguard Mother Earth from the impacts of climate change, assist in search and rescue efforts, promote pride 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. Beginning his career in the Merchant Navy at 18, Johar has navigated seas worldwide as a ship 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. Throughout his career, Johar has held various managerial positions, including serving as the regional director of the Transportation Security and Emergency Preparedness branch.
His leadership is evident in his efforts to enhance marine safety measures, advocate for 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 here:
Despite his demanding full-time job and the responsibilities of a young family, he goes above and beyond his personal needs to contribute to the community. His ability to balance personal and professional life while engaging in volunteer work is commendable, earning him appreciation from all quarters.
As chairperson of the Winnipeg Public Library Board, he led efforts to promote cultural diversity, enhance community safety and advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities. Johar actively engages with organizations such as the Global Citizen movement, David Suzuki Foundation, Rotary International Club, CASARA, Royal Canadian Legion, Winnipeg Committee for Safety and World BEYOND War.
He actively participates in the Winnipeg Pride Parade, which supports the GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diverse) community.
He has regularly volunteered at the Winnipeg Folklorama Festival, which aims to celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding. His family members, including his wife Narinder Johar, a daycare teacher, and his son Harsh, a business college student, and daughter Sage, also participate annually in the Folklorama. Harsh and Sage were recently chosen as Ambassadors for the Punjab Pavilion of the Folklorama.
His collaborations and partnerships, such as with Forester Care Insurance to raise funds for Harvest Manitoba, Toys for Daycare and Beds for Children, highlight his dedication to making a difference. He has inspired community members to join various organizations as volunteers.
Additionally, he regularly supports various organizations, including the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Covenant House, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Kidney Foundation, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the Canadian Red Cross, Diabetes Canada, the 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.
Recently he was invited to the Global Peace Summit 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 been featured in several news articles in Canada and abroad.
In order to serve his country, he has recently joined the Naval Reserves.