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OTTAWA - A giant Canadian Forces C-17 Globemaster plane took off Wednesday and is bound for Thailand with a cargo of relief supplies for victims of the Myanmar cyclone.

Its 40-tonne load included about 2,000 emergency shelter kits.

Bev Oda, minister of international co-operation, said the aid will be distributed in Myanmar - also known as Burma - through international relief agencies.

"Right now, we're able to work with the Burmese Red Crescent Society, who can assure us that they will be able to accept the shelters that are being sent and distribute them directly to the people," she said.

The kits each contain two tarpaulins and a set of tools, including a shovel, rope, hammer, nails and a hand saw, to allow people to rig makeshift shelters.

They were designed by the International Federation of the Red Cross after wide consultations with humanitarian agencies on a practical solution for disaster shelter.

Canada has pledged $2 million in aid for the storm victims.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier said the "odious regime" that rules Myanmar is adding to the emergency.