Canada Parliament speaker resigns after tribute to Nazi-linked veteran

The Speaker of Canada’s Parliament has resigned after he invited a Ukrainian Nazi veteran to attend a special session of Parliament, and then called him a “hero” amid two standing ovations. In the latest update, Anthony Rota has stepped down as speaker on Tuesday, September 26, reported The Guardian. He has resigned after meeting with party leaders in Ottawa amid growing cross-party calls for his resignation. “This house is above any of us,” he told lawmakers. Notably, Canada’s foreign minister Melanie Joly called the situation “deeply unacceptable” and an “embarrassment”. Opposition lawmakers call on Canada’s House speaker to resign The government House leader stated that Rota should do the “honourable thing” and step down. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has also lambasted the Canadian PM Justin Trudeau for the fiasco. Poilievre said, "The prime minister had “brought shame on Canada” after the government’s “massive diplomatic and intelligence apparatus vet and prevent honouring a Nazi”. The scandal began after the lawmakers in Canada’s parliament welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on Friday, September 22. Following a speech by Zelenskyy, Rota singled out 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, whom he had invited to sit in the gallery, describing the man as a “Canadian hero”, reported AP. After being criticised by the opposition, Rota issued a written apology on Sunday, September 24 and repeated it in the House on Monday, September 25. But he did not immediately resign even after the same being demanded by many Canadian lawmakers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also called the incident “extremely upsetting." “The speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized,” said Trudeau, reported AP. “This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians.” In his apology, Rota said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognizing Hunka. “I am deeply sorry that I have offended many with my gesture and remarks," said in his apology letter. Further, he added, "No one — not even anyone among you, fellow parliamentarians, or from the Ukrainian delegation — was privy to my intention or my remarks prior to their delivery.”

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Canada Parliament speaker resigns after tribute to Nazi-linked veteran

The speaker of Canada’s parliament has resigned after he invited a Ukrainian Nazi veteran to attend a special session of parliament.

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