Justin Trudeau
The Prime Minister of Canada stated on Monday that it was shameful and intolerable that a Ukrainian soldier who is claimed to be affiliated with the Nazi during World War II was singled out for a standing ovation during a visit by Kyiv’s leader. Anthony Rota, the speaker of the Canadian Parliament, has expressed regret for the error.
During President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Canada on Friday, he paid tribute to Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant, saying that Hunka had “fought for Ukrainian independence.” Hunka was a member of the SS’s 14th Waffen Grenadier Division, a Nazi military organization, it was later revealed.
Trudeau calls it “clearly unacceptable”
This, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is “clearly unacceptable.” He told reporters, “This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Canadian Parliament and by extension to all Canadians.”
The main opposition Conservatives criticized the Trudeau administration for failing to thoroughly vet Hunka, despite assertions that it had no prior knowledge of his invitation, while a tiny group of Trudeau’s Liberal allies called for Rota to quit.
Also Read: Afghani Ranks As World’s Best-Performing Currency This Quarter: Report
Reaction of Jews on Nazi Affiliated Veteran
An advocacy group for Jews referred to the occurrence as “shocking” and “incredibly disturbing.” On Sunday, Liberal MP Rota issued an apology, stating that he “subsequently became aware of more information” and “regrets” having known Hunka.
“This initiative was entirely my own… I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world,” he said, repeating his comments on Monday in the House.
