The prime minister has apologized on behalf of Canada after a Ukrainian Nazi veteran was recognized in the House of Commons.
Justin Trudeau called it a “horrendous violation” of the memory of the millions who died in the Holocaust.
“This was a mistake that has deeply embarrassed Parliament in Canada,” Trudeau said in a statement on Wednesday.
“All of us who were in this House on Friday regret deeply having stood and clapped, even though we did so unaware of the context.”
Trudeau acknowledged that the recognition was “deeply, deeply painful” for Jewish people, Polish people, Roma people, 2SLGBTQI+ people, and others who were targeted by the Nazi genocide.
In addition, the prime minister apologized to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had delivered an address to parliament just before the soldier was recognized.
“It is extremely troubling to think that this egregious error is being politicized by Russia and its supporters to provide false propaganda about what Ukraine is fighting for,” he said.
Trudeau said former house speaker Anthony Rota was “solely responsible” for inviting and recognizing the man.
Rota resigned from his role on Tuesday after growing calls from members of all four major political parties in parliament.
An election will be held next Tuesday to elect a new speaker.
