Canada House Speaker resigns over praising man who fought for Nazis

Anthony Rota is stepping down as House of Commons Speaker after he invited a man who fought for a Nazi unit to attend a speech that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered to Canada’s Parliament last week.

The Liberal MP’s resignation will be in effect as of the end of the sitting day on Wednesday.

“This House is above any of us. Therefore, I must step down as your Speaker,” Rota said.

“I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House.”

Rota, who was first elected Speaker in December 2019, announced his decision ahead of question period in the House of Commons on Tuesday, saying the role was “his greatest honour.”

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All four recognized parties in the Commons called for Rota to step down after he invited and recognized in the House a Ukraine military veteran now living in Canada who had served in a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

Members of Parliament stood and applauded 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, who lives in Rota’s northern Ontario riding, without knowing the details of his past last Friday.

Rota apologized in the House Monday morning, saying he was solely responsible for inviting and recognizing Hunka.

Only two Speakers elected since Confederation have left halfway through a parliamentary session, including one who was named governor general and another who died.

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– With files from The Canadian Press