Write to your MP or MLA

After years of disinterest, we have started to see some significant actions:

• Scores of people have participated in rallies in Edmonton in support of the restoration of democracy in Burma
• The 3rd Session of the 36th Parliament of the B.C. Legislature passed, with unanimous support of all parties, a resolution in support of the Committee Representing the People's Parliament (CRPP) [scroll down to the "Motions on Notice" section]
• The 1st Session of the 36th Legislature of the Quebec National Assembly passed, with unanimous support of all parties, a resolution urging the military regime to free all political prisoners and begin discussions with CRPP for a transfer of power
• The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Federal Parliament tabled a report in the 2nd Session of the 36th Parliament of Canada which contained a resolution urging parliament to recognize CRPP as the legitimate authority in Burma and to consider investment sanctions.

It is vital to have democratic governments around the world take a stand in support of the CRPP and it is important to encourage Canadian Federal and Provincial governments to do all they can to see that human rights and democracy are respected in Burma.

Write to Members of Parliament

As a concerned Canadian, you can lend your voice to the struggle for a free and democratic Burma.

Please take time to write to Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to let him know you support strong measures to improve life in Burma.

In your letter:

• Insist that Mr. Bernier commit to not cooperate in any way with the military dictators. Emphasize that the military government supports the opium lords of Burma and that to end the drug trade Burma needs a democratic government.
• Ask him to give official recognition to the Committee Representing the People Parliament (CRPP), which consists of over half the Burmese MPs democratically elected in 1990.] The European Parliament and the governments of Belgium, Denmark and Norway have all recognized the CRPP.]
• Ask Mr. Bernier to strengthen the current selective economic measures against the country to full sanctions including a ban on all investments. Remind him that the National League for Democracy, which would have formed the government following the 1990 elections, asks for this action. Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the NLD and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient says "Until we have a system that guarantees rule of law and basic democratic institutions, no amount of aid or investment will benefit our people. Profits from business enterprises will merely go towards enriching a small, already very privileged, elite."
• Ask Mr. Bernier to support the expulsion of the current military junta from its seat at the United Nations.
• Be sure to close your letter by asking Mr. Bernier to respond in writing to your letter.
• Send a copy of your letter to your MP
• Send a copy of your letter to the Counsellor, Ms. Yin Yin Oo, at the Embassy of the Union of Myanmar

The Hon. Maxime Bernier, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs
House of Commons
Parliament Buildings
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 (no postage required)
Tel: 613-992-8053 [Parliamentary Office]
Fax: 613-995-0687 [Parliamentary Office]
email: Bernier.M@parl.gc.ca [Parliamentary Office]
[More info on how to contact Maxime Bernier]

Ms. Yin Yin Oo, Counsellor
Embassy of the Union of Myanmar
Suite 902, 85 Range Rd.
Ottawa, ON
K1N 8J6
Tel: 613-232-6434
Fax: 613-232-6435
email: Uni@Intranet.ca

The Parliament of Canada Web site provides information about Members of Parliament.

Edmonton-area Member of Parliament Rahim Jafferhas expressed solid support for the idea that Canada should give its support to the CRPP. But he needs to be encouraged to push for action on this matter. Write a letter to him and voice your support and copy your letter to the Honorable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Rahim Jaffer, M.P. Edmonton-Strathcona
House of Commons,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 (no postage required)
Tel: 613-995-7325
Fax: 613-995-5342
e-mail: jaffer@parl.gc.ca

Write to Members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

As a concerned Albertan, you can lend your voice to the struggle for a free and democratic Burma.

In the Alberta legislature, the house leaders of the Liberal and New Democrat parties have expressed support for Alberta to approve a motion similar to the BC and Quebec motions. The Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations, the Honorable Guy Boutilier, needs to be encouraged to push for action on this matter. Write or fax a letter to him and voice your support.

Honorable Guy Boutilier
Minister of International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations
423 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-2585
Fax: 780-422-9023
e-mail: gboutilier@assembly.ab.ca

The Legislative Assembly of Alberta Web site provides information about elected members.

If possible, please send a copy of any letters to Burma Watch International.