Jagdev Singh (Jag) Dhillon emigrated to Canada in 1963 with his wife Brajinder and his daughter Tina. Already possessing degrees in Science and Law, and a postgraduate diploma in Law, in 1966 Jag obtained a Masters of Science degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia. His Master's thesis on the Zoning Board of Appeal garnered him a certificate of distinction from the Town Planning Council of Canada (now the Canadian Institute of Planners).

Since that time, Jag has had a lengthy and illustrious career as a planner across British Columbia. He served as a Director of Community Planning, had held executive positions with the Planning Institute of British Columbia (PIBC) and was a charter member of the American Planners Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

As a volunteer advisor with the Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO) he successfully completed more than 35 projects in the developing world, and also provided volunteer professional advice to several First Nations in BC.

Jag was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International, and received not one but two honours from the Crown: The 2003 Golden Jubilee Medal of Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding work in developing countries, and the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to Canada.