Burma Independence Day
Statement by the Hon. Jim Karygiannis,
Member of Parliament, Scarborough-Agincourt and
Liberal Critic for Multiculturalism
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to members of the Canadian Burmese community on the occasion of the 64th Anniversary of Burma Independence.
Burma is home to some of the early civilizations of Southeast Asia. In the 19th century, following three Anglo-Burmese wars, Burma was colonized by Britain. British rule brought social, economic, cultural and administrative changes to the once-feudal society.
Since independence in 1948, the country has been embroiled in conflict between several of its 135 ethnic groups. Burma was under military rule from 1962 to 2010 when a civilian government was installed following a general election.
This year, to mark the 64th anniversary of independence, the government released over thirty political prisoners and announced reductions in prison sentences for a wide range of offences.
The Burmese government has made some strides towards democracy – last year it engaged pro-democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in dialogue about the future of the country. It also released some 200 political prisoners, as part of its prisoner amnesty program.
Canada has stood by, and continues to stand by, those who are working to help ensure a better future for the Burmese people so that human rights are respected and democracy is achieved.
As the Interim-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Burma, I have worked closely with members of the Canadian Burmese Diaspora on many issues of importance to the community.
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Contact:
Kathy Gooch, Media Relations
Office of the Hon. Jim Karygiannis, M.P.
Scarborough-Agincourt
206-3850 Finch Avenue East
Scarborough, Ontario M1T 3T6
Tel: (416) 321-5454
Fax: (416) 321-5456
Email: kathy@karygiannismp.com
Website: www.karygiannismp.com
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