Asa Johal
- Vancouver
In
the time since Asa Johal immigrated to Canada in 1924, he has become
one of British Columbia's most prominent businessmen and outstanding
citizens. At the age of 19, he started a successful trucking business.
In 1962, he established his sawmilling operation at Mitchell Island
and turned it into one of the province's most efficient and most
advanced in technology. Now, his Terminal Sawmill Group of companies
consists of two mills, two manufacturing plants, a logging camp
and other small operations.
Mr. Johal's
business skills have contributed to the economic well-being of British
Columbia. But he has contributed to Canadian society in a multitude
of other ways - as a member of the University of British Columbia
Board of Governors and a director of the Children's Hospital.
Through either
major contributions or quiet help, he has recognized many other
worthy causes and organizations without concern for recognition.
He has routinely matched public donations to fund-raising campaigns
for the B.C. Children's Hospital, Canadian Cancer Society, Rotary
Club-Polio Plus and OASIS, formerly known as the Orientation Adjustment
Services for Immigrants Society.
Mr. Johal has
contributed much to the Indo-Canadian community in British Columbia
- as founding member, trustee and chairman of the India Cultural
Centre of Canada and as president of the International Punjabi Society
of B.C. He has actively encouraged his fellow Indo-Canadians to
participate in mainstream society.
He was recently
granted an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of British
Columbia for his support of ethnic studies. In 1988, he was honoured
on Canada Day for his outstanding contribution to the Indo-Canadian
community.
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