"It always impossible until it’s done."
Dedication
This biography is lovingly dedicated to my parents, whose unwavering faith, resilience, and love shaped the person I am today.
To my father, Percy Joseph, a man of integrity and strength, who devoted his life to serving others through his work at the Lahore Development Authority. Your dedication, wisdom, and perseverance taught me the true meaning of hard work and selflessness. You were my guiding light, my greatest inspiration, and my role model.
To my mother, Mable Joseph, whose kindness and quiet strength were the bedrock of our family. Your unconditional love, prayers, and support carried me through my darkest moments and inspired me to rise above every challenge.
Your sacrifices, values, and unwavering belief in me have been the foundation of my journey. This story is as much yours as it is mine—a testament to the lessons you instilled in me and the legacy of compassion, faith, and courage you left behind.
With eternal gratitude and love,
Dr. Tanveer Joseph
Phase 1 : Roots in Lahore
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu
The story of Dr. Joseph begins in the bustling city of Lahore, Pakistan—a city rich in culture, history, and diversity, yet one that often presented complex challenges for a Christian family living in a predominantly Muslim society. Born in April 1966, he was the fourth child. His other siblings are Tabitha Qasir, Tanseer Joseph, and Sweeta Gill, all Canadian citizens. Dr. Joseph has lived in Canada with his family for almost three decades. Dr. Joseph has made a huge difference by serving the community for over 25 years in Canada.
Dr. Joseph’s family was very renowned in Lahore, Pakistan. Dr. Joseph’s father was a government employee with the Lahore Development Authority in Pakistan, and his grandfather (Rev. Emmanuel Joseph) was a founder and senior Pastor of a Church (St. Peters Church under the Diocese of Raiwind) in Kot Lakhpat, Lahore. Dr. Jospeh spent his early years in Lahore’s Samnabad area, where he attended Cathedral High School on Hall Road.
A Childhood Marked by Discrimination
Dr. Joseph Tanveer, born in Pakistan, faced severe discrimination and violence growing up as a Christian minority. From being physically attacked in his youth to enduring police brutality and false arrest due to his faith, he witnessed the harsh realities of religious intolerance. His early years were marked by hardship, including encounters with student gangs and wrongful imprisonment. However, a spiritual transformation during jail time ignited his mission to advocate for the marginalized. After marrying and co-founding the Young Men Christian Organization in Lahore, he led protests and stood firm against injustices like forced conversions and blasphemy laws—ultimately becoming a target of extremists. In 1998, he made the painful decision to flee to Canada with his family to escape threats to his life.
In Canada, Dr. Joseph found new purpose. He co-founded International Christian Voice (ICV) and later established Charismatic Social Integration of Canada (CSIOC), becoming a prominent global advocate for persecuted Pakistani Christians. His humanitarian work has included refugee sponsorship, international delegations, and ongoing efforts to build inclusive, empowered communities. From Lahore’s narrow alleys to Canada’s national platforms, Dr. Joseph’s life is a powerful testament to resilience, transformation, and unwavering faith in justice.
Phase 2 : A New Beginning in Canada
"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
In the mid-1990s, Dr. Joseph Tanveer made the courageous decision to leave behind years of persecution in Pakistan to seek a new beginning in Canada. Though deeply connected to his homeland, the safety and future of his family took precedence. Starting from scratch, he faced the challenges of adjusting to a foreign land, unfamiliar customs, and the daunting task of rebuilding a life. Yet, his determination remained unshaken, and through perseverance, he found opportunities—starting with jobs as a warehouse worker and eventually rising to a team advisor at Canadian Tire, where he developed leadership, communication, and management skills.
Dr. Joseph’s Canadian journey was not limited to professional growth. He adapted to the cultural environment while staying true to his identity and values. With Canada’s multicultural fabric offering acceptance, he became an active community member and volunteer, consistently helping others navigate the same struggles he once faced. Through resilience and grace, he built a life grounded in faith, humility, and service. Alongside his wife, he contributed actively to the New Covenant Church of Canada, strengthening their bond with the community and demonstrating a life of purpose.
At the heart of his efforts was his role as a father and mentor. Dr. Joseph instilled in his children—Sara, Rahul, and Brian—the values of integrity, empathy, and perseverance. He emphasized that true success lies not in wealth but in service to others. By living as an example, he taught his children the importance of resilience, faith, and giving back. His household became a nurturing space of love, respect, and shared responsibility, shaping the next generation of compassionate leaders.
Dr. Joseph’s journey from a persecuted minority in Pakistan to a respected immigrant and community leader in Canada is a powerful testament to hope and strength. He forged his own path, embodying the spirit of resilience and empowerment.
As Emerson once said, “Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”—a principle Dr. Joseph lived by. His life stands not only as a personal victory over adversity but as a legacy of empowerment and inspiration for future generations.
Phase 3 : A Leader for the Marginalized
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." – Mahatma Gandhi
In 2016, Dr. Joseph Tanveer took a bold step in founding the Charismatic Social Integration of Canada (CSIOC)—a non-profit organization aimed at promoting multiculturalism, inclusion, and anti-racism. Drawing from his personal experiences as an immigrant and advocate, Dr. Joseph envisioned CSIOC as a platform to bridge communities and empower marginalized groups. With a mission rooted in equity and social justice, CSIOC quickly became a beacon of hope for individuals facing systemic barriers in Canada, offering advocacy, support, and educational resources.
Under Dr. Joseph’s leadership, CSIOC launched initiatives that celebrated diversity while pushing for systemic change. Through workshops, public forums, and cultural exchanges, the organization fostered understanding across communities and worked tirelessly to influence government policies supporting anti-discrimination efforts. Dr. Joseph’s advocacy extended beyond the grassroots level, making him a respected figure in national conversations on social justice and minority rights.
A defining element of Dr. Joseph’s impact was his commitment to mentoring young leaders, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Through structured mentorship programs and leadership workshops at CSIOC, he empowered youth to step into advocacy roles and champion change within their communities.
His philosophy emphasized that true leadership was not about titles but about inspiring action, and many of his mentees have gone on to become influential voices for equality and inclusion across Canada.
The work of CSIOC under Dr. Joseph’s guidance left a lasting legacy. The organization became instrumental in providing legal aid, educational opportunities, and a safe space for countless individuals facing discrimination. Beyond the services, Dr. Joseph’s efforts helped to reshape societal perceptions around multiculturalism and systemic racism. His life’s work continues to inspire future generations, firmly establishing him as a compassionate leader who turned personal adversity into a powerful force for justice and unity.
