Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

NDP House leader says Speaker should resign after honouring man who fought for Nazis

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Sep, 2023 10:09 AM
  • NDP House leader says Speaker should resign after honouring man who fought for Nazis

NDP House leader Peter Julian is calling on House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota to step down after he invited a man who fought for the Nazis to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president.

Rota issued a written apology Sunday and repeated it in the House Monday morning. He said he alone was responsible for inviting and recognizing Yaroslav Hunka last Friday, who fought for the First Ukrainian Division during the Second World War.

"I am deeply sorry that I have offended many with my gesture and remarks," said Rota.

"No one — not even anyone among you, fellow parliamentarians, or from the Ukrainian delegation — was privy to my intention or my remarks prior to their delivery."

Rota's recognition of Hunka was met Friday with a standing ovation from MPs.

On Monday morning, government House leader Karina Gould said his decision to invite the man was "deeply embarrassing" and called on MPs to work together to strike the recognition from the record.

She said that as a Canadian of Jewish origin and a descendent of Holocaust survivors, she felt "particularly hurt" by the situation.

The First Ukrainian Division was also known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division or the SS 14th Waffen Division, a voluntary unit that was under the command of the Nazis. 

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies issued a statement Sunday saying the division "was responsible for the mass murder of innocent civilians with a level of brutality and malice that is unimaginable."

Julian told the House that Rota's was an "unforgivable" error that brought disrepute to the House of Commons. 

"Unfortunately, I believe a sacred trust has been broken," he told the Speaker. "It’s for that reason, for the good of the institution of the House of Commons, that I say sadly I don’t believe you can continue in this role. Regrettably, I must respectfully ask that you step aside."

Gould repeatedly asserted on Monday that neither the government of Canada nor the Ukrainian delegation had any knowledge that the 98-year-old Hunka had been invited to attend an address by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

But Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer is still placing the blame with the Prime Minister's Office, saying the government had a responsibility to vet attendees of such a high-profile event for security reasons. 

He noted a "straightforward Google search" would have shown the division in which Hunka served during the war.

"If that basic level of vetting is not done by the government, that raises serious concerns. What kind of message does that send to our allies all over the world?"

MORE National ARTICLES

Vernon man charged in crash

Vernon man charged in crash
A 36-year-old Vernon man has been charged after a head-on collision on Highway 97 left two people dead. It happened in the early hours of August 5th near the Vernon Military Camp.  

Vernon man charged in crash

Homicide in New Westminster

Homicide in New Westminster
Homicide detectives have been called in to investigate after a man's body was found inside a home in New Westminster. Police say officers were sent to the home last night to carry out a well-being check.

Homicide in New Westminster

Hot spell add to wildfire woes

Hot spell add to wildfire woes
The wildfire service is reporting about 375 fires around B.C., with about 11 recorded since midday Sunday and another 11 still ranked as fires of note, meaning they are highly visible or threaten people or property.

Hot spell add to wildfire woes

Power outage for new B.C. ferry forces trip cancellations on first day

Power outage for new B.C. ferry forces trip cancellations on first day
The inaugural sailings for a passenger ferry between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo, B.C., were cancelled Monday because of a power outage. A statement on the Hullo ferry website says the loss of power to the berth and vessels affected the assessments of its systems and the safety and reliability of its operations.

Power outage for new B.C. ferry forces trip cancellations on first day

As B.C. temperatures soar, advocates call for rules to keep rental housing cool

As B.C. temperatures soar, advocates call for rules to keep rental housing cool
The call comes as a heat wave blankets much of the province, raising memories of the deadly 2021 heat dome event. It isn't expected to get as hot this week, but the advocates say municipalities need to ensure that tenants don't face deadly risks of overheating in their homes.    

As B.C. temperatures soar, advocates call for rules to keep rental housing cool

Housing crisis deemed a political threat for Liberals

Housing crisis deemed a political threat for Liberals
Experts say the national housing crisis is becoming a political threat for the Liberal government, with voters likely to look elsewhere if drastic action isn't taken soon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau came under heat recently for saying the federal government wasn't primarily responsible for housing, though it can and will help with the crisis.

Housing crisis deemed a political threat for Liberals