Office Address:

145 Spruce St. suite #206
Ottawa, ONtario
Canada K1R 6P1
Tel: (613) 237-8056/ Fax: (613) 563-0017

CFOB Saddend by the Loss of Jack Layton

Statement of Canadian Friends of Burma – August 22, 2011

The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) is truly saddened by the death of a long time Burma supporter Jack Layton early this morning at his home in Toronto. 

Mr. Layton, who recently reshaped Canadian political landscape, was a passionate advocate for democracy in Burma and a staunch critic of Canadian firms complicit in human rights abuses overseas. 

When he became the leader of New Democratic Party (NDP), Mr. Layton continued his party’s strong support for the Burma democracy movement.  He frequently took time out of his busy schedules to participate in Burma rallies and meet with Burma activists and opposition figures including Prime Minister in exile Dr. Sein Win.

With his strong political leadership and cheerful charisma, he turned his progressive party to the official opposition in Canada for the first time.  

CFOB is deeply sorry that Mr. Layton did not live to meet Aung San Suu Kyi in a free and democratic Burma. He was also the one who recommended the Government of Canada and Prime Minister Stephen Harper to invite Burmese democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to accept the Honorary Canadian Citizenship that was awarded to her by Canadian Parliament in 2007.

Mr. Layton was also active with Parliamentary Friends of Burma.
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The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) is federally incorporated, national non-governmental organization working for democracy and human rights in Burma. Contact: Suite 206, 145 Spruce St., Ottawa, K1R 6P1; Tel: 613.237.8056; Email: cfob@cfob.org; Web: www.cfob.org