Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said sorry on behalf of the House of Commons for praising Ukrainian Nazi veteran Yaroslav Hunka. .But he did not apologize personally and has not called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over this ordeal. .“The speaker was solely responsible for the invitation and recognition of this man and has wholly accepted that responsibility and stepped down,” said Trudeau at a Wednesday press conference. .“This was a mistake that has deeply embarrassed Parliament and Canada.” .Trudeau said all MPs regret having stood up and applauded Hunka, even though they did so unaware of the context. He called this “a horrendous violation of the memory of the millions of people who died in the Holocaust, and it was deeply, deeply painful for Jewish people.” .With this applause, he said it hurt Poles, Roma people, sexual minorities, people with disabilities, non-whites, and the millions who were targeted by the Nazis. Every year, there are fewer Holocaust survivors who can share their stories. .Therefore, he said it is “incumbent upon us all to ensure that no one ever forgets what happened.” He apologized on behalf of Canada for the situation this put Zelensky and his delegation in. .He said it is troubling this error is being politicized by Russia and its supporters to push disinformation about what Ukraine is fighting for. Friday’s joint session was about what Canada stands for. .Trudeau concluded by saying the joint session was a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the sacrifices of Ukrainians as they fight for their democracy, freedom, and peace. This was the side Canada was on during the Second World War. .“This is the side we are on today,” he said. .Trudeau said on Monday it is upsetting Hunka was invited to the House of Commons. .READ MORE: WATCH: Trudeau says Ukrainian Nazi incident embarrassing, blasts Russian disinformation.“The speaker has acknowledged his mistake and has apologized,” he said. .“But this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada and by extension to all Canadians.” .Former speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota stepped down on Tuesday after honouring Hunka. .READ MORE: UPDATED: Rota resigns as speaker of the house over Ukrainian Nazi scandal.“It has been my greatest honour as a parliamentarian to have been elected by you, my peers, to serve as the speaker of the House of Commons for the 43rd and 44th Parliament,” said Rota. .“I have acted as your humble servant of this house, carrying out the responsibilities of this position to the best of my abilities.”
