Canada-Myanmar relations
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Bilateral relations
Formal diplomatic relations between Canada and Myanmar were established on August 9, 1958. Canada appointed its first resident ambassador to Myanmar in March 2013. The Embassy of Canada to Myanmar officially opened in Yangon in August 2014. In August 2015, a visa application centre was opened in Yangon, making it possible for Myanmar citizens to apply for Canadian visas locally.
Diplomatic relations between Canada and Myanmar were beginning to improve after the 2015 elections in Myanmar, in which the National League for Democracy won decisively, consolidating democratic gains following decades of military rule in Myanmar. However, the Myanmar military’s 2017 attacks and atrocities against the Rohingya ethnic minority and the February 2021 coup have severely strained Canada’s bilateral relations with Myanmar.
Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar and their desire for a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society. Canada has unequivocally condemned the coup in Myanmar, the military regime’s egregious human rights violations against civilians, and disproportionate attacks against the Rohingya people. Canada continues to call on the military regime to immediately halt violence, release of all political prisoners, including foreigners, engage in dialogue, allow immediate unhindered humanitarian access, and return Myanmar to the path of democracy.
Since the coup, Canada has contributed to coordinated advocacy efforts at the UN and with G7 members to condemn the Myanmar military’s seizure of power and call for the immediate restoration of democratic rule. Canada has supported ASEAN engagement on Myanmar and called for the implementation of the ASEAN Five Point Consensus, which was agreed at the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in April 2021 as the roadmap to resolve the crisis. We continue to support the efforts of the ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy to promote genuine and inclusive dialogue among all relevant parties, working toward full implementation of ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus. Canada also supports the UN’s efforts in Myanmar, particularly those of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Myanmar.
In 2007, sanctions related to Myanmar were enacted under the Special Economic Measures Act to respond to the human rights and humanitarian situation in that country. Canada has continued to update its robust sanctions against senior Myanmar military leaders and Myanmar entities, as needed.
Learn more about Canadian Sanctions Related to Myanmar.
Development assistance
Launched in 2013, Canada's international assistance program in Myanmar places women, girls, ethnic minorities, and other marginalized groups at the centre of efforts to improve human dignity, well-being, and rights for the country’s crisis-affected populations.
Since the 2021 coup, Canadian assistance in Myanmar is channeled through local civil society, UN agencies, as well as international and Canadian non-governmental organizations, with no direct or indirect funding or support to the military regime. Together with its partners, Canada works to improve access to health (including sexual and reproductive health) and nutrition services; promote livelihood opportunities; build the capacities of civil society networks, including women’s rights organizations; and strengthen human rights, gender equality and democratic norms in sub-national governance and policymaking. Overall, Canada’s assistance aims to contribute to a democratic, peaceful and inclusive future in Myanmar.
Since the escalation of the Rohingya crisis in 2017 and the post-coup crisis in Myanmar, Canada has provided over $600 million in international assistance to help strengthen the resilience of at-risk and crisis-affected populations in Myanmar, as well as refugees and host communities in Bangladesh. Canada’s first Strategy to Respond to the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar and Bangladesh (2018 to 2021) dedicated $300 million to ease the crisis facing Rohingya in Bangladesh and Myanmar, including humanitarian and development assistance, and Peace and Stabilizations Operations Programming. Later on, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Rohingya and Myanmar crises (2021 to 2024), dedicating an additional $288.3 million.
Since 2024, Canada has continued to support the people of Myanmar, including Rohingya, in a context of worsening and widespread armed conflict. Today, Canada’s international assistance continues to support crisis-affected populations, including women, girls, and ethnic minority populations. Support to Rohingya refugees and host communities also continues through the provision of international assistance and advocacy with the Bangladesh Interim Government.
Learn more about Canada’s response to the Rohingya and Myanmar crises between 2018 and 2024.
Search the Project Browser for more on Canada’s international assistance contributions in Myanmar.
Humanitarian assistance
Canada's humanitarian assistance is provided on the basis of needs of the most vulnerable and crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including the Rohingya people, and in line with humanitarian principles.
Canada supports gender-responsive humanitarian assistance that addresses the specific needs of vulnerable populations, including women and girls. Here are examples of how this programming in Myanmar has helped meet the needs of women and girls include support for:
- Psychosocial support services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and other forms of trauma
- Prevention of and response to SGBV
- Provision of sexual and reproductive health services
- Development and management of women and child-friendly spaces
Learn more about Canada’s humanitarian assistance.
Trade relations
Canadians and Canadian companies planning to conduct activities in Myanmar are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Canadian sanctions and restrictions, including a trade embargo on arms and related material, as well as on related technical and financial assistance.
On April 13, 2021, Canada issued an advisory on doing business with Myanmar-related entities. The advisory remains in effect and states that the Government of Canada expects Canadian companies active abroad, in any market or country, to respect human rights, operate lawfully, conduct their activities in a responsible manner, and adopt voluntary best practices and internationally respected guidelines. It is recommended that persons engaging in activities involving Myanmar conduct robust due diligence to ensure compliance with Canadian legislation and regulations, including with respect to export controls and sanctions measures, in consultation with private legal counsel as appropriate.
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