New Canadian Centre

Oct 07, 2026 7:00 AM

Jeeniraj "JJ" Thevasagayam

New Canadian Centre

Jeeniraj "JJ" Thevasagayam is the Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre (NCC) in Peterborough, Ontario, a role he officially assumed on September 2, 2025. His appointment follows a decade of experience in the non-profit and municipal sectors, most recently serving as the Manager of Housing for the City of Peterborough.

JJ’s leadership is deeply informed by his own lived experience as a refugee. After fleeing the civil war in Sri Lanka over 30 years ago, he settled in Toronto’s Regent Park neighborhood. His early years in Canada were marked by significant challenges, including periods of homelessness and housing insecurity.

He credits local non-profit organizations with helping him find stability, an experience that motivates his professional commitment to building inclusive communities where newcomers can thrive.