Trudeau calls praise for Nazi-linked veteran 'deeply embarrassing'

By Nadine Yousif in Toronto and Max Matza in Seattle

BBC News,

An invitation to parliament for a Ukrainian man who fought for a Nazi unit in World War Two is "deeply embarrassing" to Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says.

Yaroslav Hunka, 98, got a standing ovation after House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota called him a "hero" during a Friday visit by Ukraine's president.

Mr Rota has said he did not know of Mr Hunka's Nazi ties and made a mistake in inviting him to attend the event.

He faces calls to resign.

On Monday, Mr Trudeau told reporters it was "extremely upsetting that this happened".

"This is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians."

The incident took place on Friday, when the parliament was hosting an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr Hunka was sitting in the gallery of the House of Commons when Mr Rota pointed to him, saying the man was "a Ukrainian hero, a Canadian hero, and we thank him for all his service".

Those present in the building responded with applause.

In a statement on Sunday, Mr Rota said he had "subsequently become aware of more information which causes me to regret my decision" to honour Mr Hunka.

"No one, including fellow parliamentarians and the Ukraine delegation, was aware of my intention or of my remarks before I delivered them," he said.

He said: "I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I accept full responsibility for my actions."

Responding to his statement, the Canadian Jewish group the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs said it appreciated the apology, adding that "proper vetting is imperative to ensure such an unacceptable incident does not occur again".

Mr Rota apologised again on Monday, speaking in person to colleagues on the floor of the House.

He is facing calls from opposition politicians to resign, including New Democrat MP Peter Julian, who called the incident an "unforgivable error".

"Unfortunately I believe a sacred trust has been broken," he said in the House.

Mr Trudeau on Monday did not call on Mr Rota, who is a member of the prime minister's Liberal party, to step down.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66919862