Canada’s House of Commons Speaker Apologizes for Honoring WW2 Nazi Unit Fighter
In a recent turn of events, Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, Anthony Rota, issued an apology for paying tribute to Yaroslav Hunka, a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II. This unfortunate incident occurred shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the House of Commons, where Canadian lawmakers gave Hunka a standing ovation.
Rota introduced Hunka as a war hero who fought with the First Ukrainian Division, also known as the SS 14th Waffen Division—a voluntary unit under the command of the Nazis. However, Rota later became aware of more information that led him to regret his decision to honor Hunka.
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 stated in a public statement. He further emphasized that his fellow parliamentarians and the Ukrainian delegation were unaware of his plan, and he took full responsibility for his actions.
Rota extended his deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, acknowledging his mistake and expressing remorse for his insensitive act. However, it is important to note that Hunka is from Rota’s district, which might have influenced his decision to recognize him without a thorough understanding of his past.
The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement criticising the recognition, highlighting the atrocities committed by the SS 14th Waffen Division. They emphasized that the division was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with unimaginable brutality and malice. The organization’s condemnation further underscores the gravity of Rota’s mistake.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office also commented on the situation, praising Rota’s apology and acceptance of responsibility for inviting Hunka and giving him recognition. Trudeau’s office disclosed that they were not informed in advance about the invitation or the recognition, which indicates a lack of communication and coordination within the Canadian government.
The visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Ottawa aimed to garner support from Western allies in Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russian invasion. It is noteworthy to mention that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly portrayed Ukraine’s opponents as neo-Nazis, despite the fact that Zelenskyy himself is Jewish and his own family members fell victim to the Holocaust. This incident of honoring a Nazi unit fighter only adds fuel to Putin’s false narrative and creates unnecessary complications for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle.
In conclusion, Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons Anthony Rota apologizes for his ill-informed tribute to a man associated with a Nazi military unit. His act of recognizing Yaroslav Hunka, who fought with the SS 14th Waffen Division, has drawn criticism from various organizations denouncing the division’s brutal actions. The incident highlights the importance of thoroughly researching and understanding the background of individuals before paying tribute. Furthermore, the lack of communication between Rota, Prime Minister Trudeau’s office, and the Ukrainian delegation raises questions about coordination within the Canadian government.
