Please see the current membership of PFOB, immediate after 2011 elections here
The Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB) was officially launched on December 7th 2006 at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. Membership included 25 MPs and Senators from various Canadian political parties.
Attending the event were, Dr. Sein Win, Prime Minister of the exiled Burmese government; Mr. Charles Chong, the head of Singaporean Parliamentary Caucus on Burma and member of ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Myanmar Caucus (AIPMC); Dr. Tint Swe, representative of Members of Parliament Union (MPU-Burma); and Dr. Thoung Htun, UN representative for the exiled government and other Canadian MPs, government officials, representatives of civil society and Burmese delegates from across Canada. Dr. Sein Win delivered the keynote speech during the reception.
PFOB membership includes important figures such as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the ruling party’s Caucus Chair. The group also consists of leading political figures such as Mr. Jack Layton, the leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), the Chair of Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, and the Foreign Affairs Critic from Bloc Quebecois.
Canadian MPs have supported the Burmese movement toward democracy following the 1988, nation-wide Democratic Movement in Burma. The Parliamentary Friends of Burma (PFOB) has existed in the Canadian Parliamentary system for over ten years. The first attempt to officially form the group took place on November 30th 2005; however, it was postponed due to an early dissolution of Parliament on November 28th 2006.
The support by Canadian MP’s for democracy in Burma has steadily increased over time. In particular, on June 27th 2006, fifty MPs signed a letter addressed to UN General Secretary, Kofi Anan, and members of the UN Security Council, calling for UNSC action on Burma. Subsequently, September 15th 2006, UNSC formally added Burma to its agenda.
The most significant outcome from the PFOB was the passing of the first-ever, yet most comprehensive resolution on Burma. May 18th 2005, the majority of the MPs voted in favour of the resolution that called for: trade and investment sanctions, UN Security Council intervention, and the provision of ‘tangible support’ for the Burmese democratic movement. The existence of the PFOB ensures that the elements of the resolution will be implemented.Overall, the primary function of the PFOB is to support the democratization process in Burma by promoting Burma issues at a national level. The PFOB works with similar parliamentary groups from around the world as well as ASEAN in an attempt to help the 52 million Burmese people realize their dream of the restoration of democracy and fundamental human rights in their homeland. The PFOB also works to voice issues and concerns at various international and regional events, conduct fact-finding missions and makes recommendations to the Canadian Government.
The establishment of the PFOB ensures ongoing parliamentarian support, extensive debate, advocacy, and a concentrated effort on the issues associated with Burma.
Burma Parliamentary delegation expected in Canada
CFOB statement on latest communal violence in Burma
What more can Canada do in Burma? - Tin Maung Htoo
Burma’s Kachin seek Canadian support
Staying true for human rights for all - Rebecca Wolsak
Why Inter Pares is wrong on Burma - Tin Maunng Htoo
CFOB concerned with Kachin conflicts in northern Burma
CFOB 2012 Annual Report released!
Statement on CFOB AGM on Dec. 15, 2012
Burmese Civil Society Organizations Dismayed by Inter Pares
CFOB AGM on Dec. 15 in Toronto
Minister Jason Kenney to Meet with Prominent Buddhist Monk
CFOB in Crisis with Rohingya in Burma
Baird Concerned about Renewed Violence in Rekhine State
Burmese Foreign Minister Queitly Visited to Canada
CFOB Policy Statement: “Navigating the thaw: Burma-Canada Relations in 2012 and beyond”
Over 70 Canadians and Burmese activists cleared from 'Blacklist'
Revised: Canada Calls for Peaceful Solution in Arakan state of Burma
Advocating humanitarian assistance to Kachin IDPs in Burma
Parliamentary Testimony with Aung Din (USCB)
Parliamentary Testimony with Tin Maung Htoo (CFOB)
Minister Kenney Surprises Burmese Community with Announcement
Minister Jason Kenney to meet with Burmese community leaders in Toronto
Burma Day - Celebrating 20th of CFOB
Long-time Burma supporter Brian John passed away
CFOB pleased by prisoners release but more reform needed
CFOB Welcomes Fine For Firm That Illegally Exported Plane to Burma
CFOB Welcomes U.S Secretary of States Visit to Burma
CFOB Saddend by the Loss of Jack Layton
Cross Canada bike ride for Burma reaching to final destination
Ivanhoe received US$103 million from Burma's copper mines
Burmese President accepts credentials of Canadian Ambassador to Burma
Aung San Suu Kyi supports UN commission of inquiry on Burma
Transfer of Ivanhoe's Burmese assets to weapons firm must be probed
Canada Sends Best Wishes to Aung San Suu Kyi on Her Birthday
66th Birthday Events of Aung San Suu Kyi in Canada
Suu Kyi to be honored on Canada Day in Côte Saint-Luc
Cross-Canada Bike Ride for Burma
Suu Kyi addresses to Conference on ‘Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict’
New Burmese Ambassador to Canada: a messenger for new regime in Burma?
Media coverage on detained Canadian in Burma
Suu Kyi to deliver video message at Carleton University
Carleton University to Honour Aung San Suu Kyi
Canada to Support 'Commission of Inquiry' on Burma's rights violations
Canada to Renew humanitarian support
Canada to welcome additional 1,300 Karen Refugees from Thai-Burma Border
CFOB Welcomes Opposition Party Calling for Economic Sanctions
Two events today in Toronto and Vancouver to mark DSSAK Day
CFOB welcomes throne speech to honor Suu Kyi with Honorary Citizenship
Canada Welcomes Statement by the United Nations Security Council on Burma
We offer an archive of many publications from agendas of upcoming events to reports and booklets.