Ottawa (June 19, 2008) – Canada has announced today that it would welcome 1,300 more Karen refugees from Thai-Burma border. More than 2,600 Karen refugees have already resettled across Canada since the new resettlement program started in 2006.

"Canada continues to welcome the Karen refugees who have been living under some of the world's most difficult conditions for many years," said Diane Finley, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in a statement issued today.

The Canadian Friends of Burma (CFOB) welcomes this important decision by the minister Finley and thanks the Government of Canada for this support.

"Lives are virtually dead in refugee camps, especially for those who grow up in refugee camps," said Tin Maung Htoo, executive director of Canadian Friends of Burma. "This resettlement is of course a golden opportunity for younger generation to grow up in the land of opportunity," he added.

Canada also responded to the ongoing food crisis in refugee camps by providing additional 2 million dollars on June 6, 2008. Canada provides two million dollars each year for healthcare, food and capacity-building of Burmese refuges in Thailand and other neighbouring countries of Burma.