Canada’s House Speaker Resigns After Inviting Man Who Fought for a Nazi Unit to Parliament

TIME

The speaker of Canada’s House of Commons resigned Tuesday for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to Parliament to attend a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Transcript

00:00 We have here in the chamber today a Ukrainian-Canadian world veteran from the Second World War who

00:07 fought the Ukrainian independence against the Russians.

00:11 [APPLAUSE]

00:13 Prime Minister, do you still have confidence in Anthony Rota as Speaker of the House of

00:40 Commons?

00:41 As I said yesterday, this was deeply embarrassing for the House and for Canada.

00:53 It is a good thing that Speaker Rota apologized personally and I'm sure he's reflecting

01:01 now on how to ensure the dignity of the House going forward.

01:05 The work of this House is above any of us, therefore I must step down as your Speaker.

01:14 I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House

01:19 during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky.

01:24 That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the

01:29 Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities

01:34 in Poland, among other nations.

01:39 I accept full responsibility for my actions.

01:43 My resignation is effective at the end of the sitting day tomorrow, Wednesday, September

01:47 27th, to allow preparations for the election of a new Speaker.

01:52 Until that time, the Deputy Speakers will chair the House proceedings.

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