DR. Harpreet S. Kochhar, currently Assistant Deputy Minister, Operations Sector, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has been appointed Associate Deputy Minister of Health, effective immediately, according to a press release by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
In this role, Kochhar will support the Government of Canada’s ongoing efforts to fight COVID-19 through a whole-of-government, comprehensive, and coordinated approach.
Kochhar was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of the Operations Sector for Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in July 2017.
He joined IRCC from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), where, as Associate Vice-President of Operations, he was responsible for delivering inspection services across the country as well as the management of over 4,000 employees.
He has served as Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer, as well as Canada’s Delegate to the World Organization for Animal Health. Kochhar was responsible for managing several high profile cases while at CFIA, including the official response to Canada’s largest beef recall (XL foods) in order to ensure the continuing safety of the Canadian food supply, according to a profile on a federal government website.
Prior to joining IRCC, Kochhar was Associate Professor at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. He also practiced veterinary medicine as a small animal veterinarian in South Western Ontario.
As Assistant Deputy Minister of Operations at IRCC, Kochhar was responsible for the delivery of Immigration, Citizenship and Passport programs across Canada and at 60 different missions/offices abroad. He was also leading key strategic projects for the sector, including the Passport Modernization Initiative, Predictive Analytics, and a major transformation of IRCC’s operational delivery model.
On a personal note, Kochhar is an active fundraiser for JDRF and contributes to charities such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Mental Health Institute, and the Liver Foundation. He has been awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his professional and volunteer contributions, and was decorated with the Canada 150 Medal for community services.
Kochhar is a veterinarian by training (DVM) and has a Master’s Degree in Veterinary Science (MVSc) as well as a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Animal Biotechnology from the University of Guelph.
He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Veterinary Science from Punjab Agricultural University.
He enjoys cooking as well as playing golf, volleyball, and skiing in his spare time.
I am very happy to hear this news so proud of you sir . May God Bless you
I personally and on behalf of the department faculty, students and staff of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, COVS, GADVASU extend a wish of congratulations to this highly responsible position and May God Almighty bless you with all success for your new position.
Congratulations on the distinction conferred on you !
It is Really a pride for all of us to hear this prestigious achievement of Dr Bøcher, a alumuni of PAU.We Wish Him to be highly sucessful in this.Almighty waheguru Bless Dr Kocher
Congratulations Honoured Sir Kochhar
For the distinguised designation conferred on you.
Regards
Rajan Bindra
Ludhiana
Moment of great pride for veterinary fraternity as well as all Indians.
Dear Dr.Harpreet Kochhar – Heartiest Congratulations for your well desreved promotion. Our Best Wishes for the new assignment
Congrats Dr Kochhar. I on behalf of PAU Alumni wish you a great time ahead in serving the people of Canada. PAU is proud of its alumni.
Congratulations to Dr. Kochhat on his new appointment and responsibilities.We are feeling proud of you. Almighty may bless you.
…. . .Harjit Singh, S0lan, INDIA.
Congratulations, Dr Harpreet…
My best wishes for your new assignment..
Regards
Dr GD singh
Patiala
Congratulations Dr. KOCHHAR !
I join others in congratulating Dr Harpreet Singh Kochar on his new assingment as deputy minister government of canada and cheif officer incharge for the control of COVID-19..i am proud of his entire career so far and i am confident of his success on this possition as well .i am proud of my Alma Mater GADVASU of being producing vetrinarian of high calibre ..
Congratulations sir
Like others I am too delighted to congratulate you sir that our Indian brother has reached such a respectable position in Canada.