Canada’s prime minister said Monday it was “unacceptable” and “shameful” that a former Ukrainian soldier who fought with the Nazis during World War II received a standing ovation in Parliament during President Zelensky’s visit last week.
“This is deeply embarrassing for the Parliament of Canada and, by extension, for all Canadians,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters.
The comments come a day after controversy surrounding a criticized invitation that embarrassed his government.
Discard the controversy and reorient the debate
During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Ottawa on Friday, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota applauded Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran whom Jewish community defense associations accuse of having fought in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division. the SS.
“It is clear that this is unacceptable,” responded Justin Trudeau, recalling that “the Speaker of the House took responsibility and apologized.”
As a result of this controversy, political parties demanded the resignation of Anthony Rota on Monday.
The Conservative Party, which forms the official opposition in Ottawa, criticized the Trudeau government for failing to check Yaroslav Hunka’s background before paying tribute to him.
A Jewish organization on Sunday described the incident as “shocking” and “particularly disturbing.”
“Once again, I want to apologize for what happened, I did not want to embarrass Parliament,” Anthony Rota reaffirmed in the chamber on Monday.
Justin Trudeau wanted to reorient the message towards Canada’s support for Ukraine. “The important thing in all of this is that we will remain firm against Russia, against Russian propaganda and disinformation,” he said.
Source: BFM TV
