Barj S. Dhahan

Community Builder. Entrepreneur. Visionary.

“His unique set of talents, combined with the growing inclusiveness of our political system, make him an ideal candidate for a future leadership role in Canada.”

– Dr. John Pierce from Simon Fraser University, inThe Vancouver Sun, January 2, 2014

From his volunteer work to his philanthropic ventures, Barj S. Dhahan is committed to supporting communities and working towards prosperity for all. Barj is a community-oriented business owner known for his balanced, inclusive and compassionate approach to leadership.

Barj has over thirty years of successful experience in establishing and operating businesses in land development, construction, food services, and the distribution of refined petroleum products. In 1981, Barj started one of his first business ventures which later grew into the Sandhurst Group of Companies. Sandhurst Group supports education and youth in the community, and has awarded almost forty bursaries to high school graduates in British Columbia, helping these students reach their post-secondary education and career dreams.

In the Community

Trailblazing is ingrained in Barj’s genes. His extended family was involved in the freedom movement in India, and here in Canada, they have played the role of community builders since immigrating in the early 1930s. Today, Barj carries on the tradition of advocating for equality and social justice through his work in community development, education, and health care.

Barj played a key role in establishing a Centennial Scholar's Award for Indigenous students at the University of British Columbia. He has supported literacy skills for students through the Wonder of Reading program at John Oliver Secondary School in Vancouver. He has supported youth camps in BC, services for self-employment training programs, and Cops for Cancer – Tour de Valley campaigns. Barj also coached youth soccer for several years with the Marpole and Point Grey Soccer Associations

On a global scale, Barj helped launch one of the first international collaborations in nursing education between Canada and India through the Canada India Education Society. Barj’s vision and dedication to higher education has helped 1800 young women graduate in nursing in Punjab, India, and 200 of those women now live and work in Canada.

In 2013, Barj founded the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature, celebrating Punjabi language and building bridges between communities in Canada, Pakistan, and India. A passionate volunteer, Barj has volunteered his time and expertise to many organizations.

Barj is also a recognized thought-leader on Canada-India relationships, and is often called upon by different levels of government for advice about trade, investment, and higher education. He has been a member of several official trade missions to India with the provincial and federal governments.

A graduate of the University of British Columbia and Regent College, Barj is a certified Yoga teacher and a motivational speaker and facilitator. Barj and his wife Rita live in Vancouver, BC and have three adult children and three grandchildren.