“Canada’s Parliament Speaker, Anthony Rota, Issues Apology for the Oversight”Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed strong disapproval of the recognition given to a Ukrainian veteran with alleged Nazi ties during a visit by Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, and labeled it as a shameful and intolerable act. The veteran in question, Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, acknowledged in Canada’s House of Commons by Speaker Anthony Rota during Zelensky’s visit, with Rota mentioning that Hunka had “fought for Ukrainian independence.” However, it later came to light that Hunka had served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit. Trudeau Expresses Strong Disapproval
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned this oversight, stating, “This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians.” The incident led to calls for Speaker Anthony Rota’s resignation from a small faction aligned with Trudeau’s Liberals. The main opposition Conservatives criticized the Trudeau administration for failing to adequately vet Hunka, even though they claimed to have had no prior knowledge of his invitation to the event.
A Jewish advocacy group expressed shock and deep concern over the incident, describing it as “shocking” and “incredibly disturbing.”
In response, Speaker Rota, who is a Liberal Member of Parliament, issued an apology, acknowledging that he had become aware of additional information that led him to “regret” his acknowledgment of Hunka. He particularly extended his deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and worldwide, reiterating his sentiments in the House on Monday.
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