Anthony Rota, Speaker of the House of Commons, Canada's lower house of parliament, apologized for "honoring" a man who fought for the Nazis in World War II.
Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech in the Canadian House of Commons on September 22, Rota introduced 98-year-old Yaroslov Hunka as a "war hero" and thanked him for his service.
After it was revealed that Hunka, who was greeted with applause by members of parliament, had fought on the side of the Nazis in the Second World War, Rota was heavily criticized.
"I take full responsibility for this action"
In a written statement following the criticism, Rota said, "In my speech after the address of the President of Ukraine, I praised a person in the Parliament, but later I received information that made me regret this decision."
Explaining that the members of parliament and the Ukrainian delegation were not aware that he would mention Hunka, Rota said, "I especially apologize to the Jewish community in Canada and around the world. I take full responsibility for this action."
In a written statement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Rota took full responsibility for inviting Hunka and introducing him in parliament, and that neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the Ukrainian delegation had been informed about this issue before.
Nazi controversy in the Canadian House of Commons!
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