Ajay Dilawri is the recipient of the prestigious Order of BC Award. Ajay Dilawri is a leading entrepreneur whose vision, perseverance, leadership, and social conscience continues to improve the lives of many people in our province. He has made a significant and far-reaching impact throughout B.C.
Ajay and his brothers Kap and Tony are the founders of the Dilawri Group - the largest automotive group in Canada, with more than 4,000 employees and 76 automotive dealerships across Canada. With 24 dealerships in B.C. alone, he supports more than 2,000 employees and their families in his home province.
His significant investment in electrical vehicle development is also helping address climate change and contributes to a greener economy. The Dilawri brothers' success is largely based on learning a strong work ethic from their parents, who immigrated to Canada from India.
They haven’t forgotten their upbringing and have built the business not only for financial success, but to generate enough capital to give back to the community. With a focus on children and healthy outcomes, the Dilawri Foundation has donated tens of millions of dollars to help charitable causes in health care, mental health, education, autism, and public safety.
Ajay believes that by giving children a solid foundation early in life, they are infinitely more likely to thrive in the future. Dilawri uses his considerable leadership skills daily to ensure the well-being of British Columbians. His commitment to making B.C. a better place to live creates a healthier and more productive population, which benefits everyone in the province.
These are the overall recipients of the award:
Chief Joe Alphonse of Tsilhqot'n Nation
Joe Average, MGC, of Vancouver
Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos
Frances Belzberg, OC, of Vancouver
Dr. Debra Braithwaite of Victoria
Ajay Dilwari of Vancouver
Debra Doucette (Hewson) of the District of North Vancouver
Dr.Bonnie J Fraser Henry of Victoria
Carol A. Lee of Vancouver
James McEwen, OC, of Vancouver
Andrew Petter, CM, QC, of Victoria
Dolph Schulter of Vancouver
Dr. Poul Sorensen of Vancouver
Arran and Ratana Stephens of Vancouver
