Canadian Friends of Burma

Canadian Friends of Burma (Les amis Canadiens de la Birmanie or CFOB) is a federally incorporated, national non-governmental organization founded in 1991.

Objectives

CFOB supports the Burma pro-democracy movement in the struggle for peace, democracy, human rights and equality in Burma. Its primary objectives are to raise awareness about the political, human rights and socioeconomic situation in Burma and how it pertains to Canadians as well as to encourage Canadians to take action and to get involved.

Activities

CFOB coordinates campaigns and provides assistance to Burma solidarity groups in Canada and abroad, produces educational materials and monitors Canadian relations with Burma. CFOB maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Canadian government with regard to federal policy on Burma.

CFOB maintains close links with Burmese exiles in Canada and internationally, including Burma's government-in-exile, the student and labor movements, ethnic leaders, journalists, academics and the entire international movement for democracy in Burma. In addition, as much as possible, CFOB acts as a clearinghouse of information about Burma's pro-democracy movement in Canada and works with the Burmese community in Canada.

Board of directors

Kevin Angus McLeod, the Campaign Coordinator joined CFOB's board in March 2004. He received his education at Peterborough's Trent University. He has traveled extensively and lived in the Far East. Kevin has vast experience researching progressive political movements in Asia and the militarization of U.S. foreign policy. He enjoys leftist authors including, Tariq Ali, Noam Chomsky and Robert Fisk. Kevin is currently researching Canadian investment in Burma.

Kyaw Moe of Media and Burmese Community Relations is originally from Monwaya, Burma. He spent several years in India, Norway and England before coming to Canada. Kyaw Moe is a journalist by profession and is currently working as a settlement officer for Catholic Immigration. He is also the director of Burmese Community Services of Ottawa, which is the first Burmese community service provider for Burmese newcomers to Canada.

Toekyi, the Technical Advisor is originally from Moulmein, Burma. He spent several years in Thailand, where he was active in the student movement before coming to Canada. He is a founding member of the Burmese Students Democratic Organization (BSDO), a national student activist group in Canada. Toekyi is an IT and networking specialist and is currently working for Compucorps Mentoring, which is an NGO that provides computers and technical assistance to charities and non-profit organizations.

Sam Cartmell, the Director of Public Dissent and Advocacy is a graduate student in International Political Economy at Carleton University. Sam joined CFOB's board in 2005 and his interests include globalization and human rights, international socialism and revolutionary movements. He is passionate about the need for the removal of the military regime in Burma.