On Monday, Canada’s Prime Minister said during a visit by Kyiv’s leaders singling out a Ukrainian veteran who alleged to fight for the Nazis during World War II for a standing ovation was “shameful and intolerable”.
Anthony Rota, Canada’s parliament speaker has apologised for the gaffe.
Rota told the House of Commons about Yaroslav Hunka, 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant who fought for “fought for Ukrainian independence” and also paid homage to him.
It was later pointed out that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi military unit.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this was “clearly unacceptable.”
He said, “This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians.”
Trudeau’s Liberals even urged Rota to resign while the opposition criticised Trudeau administration for not being able to vet Hunka.
Rota apologised by saying he had “subsequently become aware of more information” after which he “regretted” his recognition of Hunka.
He said, “This initiative was entirely my own… I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.”
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