Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the honouring of 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka by Canadian lawmakers “deeply embarrassing”. The lawmakers gave Hunka a standing ovation to Hunka after Speaker Anthony Rota drew attention to him. Hunka fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II.
Speaker of Canada’s parliament, Anthony Rota paid homage to Hunka, a Ukrainian immigrant, during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Canada visit, saying Hunka had “fought for Ukrainian independence”.
Trudeau was among those who applauded Hunka, a veteran of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS. However, he later said the act was “clearly unacceptable”. “This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians,” he said.
Canadian speaker issues apology
Rota has now issued an apology for his action in the parliament. “In my remarks following the address of the President of Ukraine, I recognized an individual in the gallery. I have subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision to do so,” Rota said in a statement.
He added that his other Parliament members and the Ukraine delegation were unaware of his plans to recognise Hunka, adding that Hunka is from his district.
Rota extended his apology to the Jewish communities in Canada and internationally. “I accept full responsibility for my action,” Rota said.
Trudeau’s office said an apology from Rota was the right thing. “No advance notice was provided to the Prime Minister’s Office, nor the Ukrainian delegation, about the invitation or the recognition,” it added.
When Hunka was highlighted by Rota in the parliament, Members of Parliament from all parties rose to applaud him. A spokesperson for the Conservative party said the party was not aware of his history at the time.
“We find the reports of this individual’s history very troubling,” said Sebastian Skamski, adding that Trudeau’s Liberal party would have to explain why he was invited.
(With AP inputs)