00:00 Speakers of the House of Commons Anthony Rota announced on Tuesday that he will be resigning
00:05 from his position following the scandal around the invitation and recognition of Ukrainian
00:10 Nazi veteran Jaroslav Hunka.
00:12 Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian Nazi veteran who fought in the ranks of the 14th Waffen-Grenadier
00:20 Division of the Nazi SS during World War II, was given a stunning ovation by the entire
00:25 Canadian legislature on Friday.
00:28 The recognition of Hunka came as Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota delivered
00:33 opening remarks before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed to the Canadian
00:38 Parliament.
00:39 On Sunday, Rota apologized for his decision to invite Hunka.
00:43 Trudeau's office said it was unaware of the invitation to Hunka, and Rota reiterated
00:48 his regret over the invitation and recognition of Hunka, a decision that caused pain to Jewish,
00:55 communist communities and survivors of Nazi adversities in Poland, among other countries.
01:01 It is with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as Speaker of the
01:12 House of Commons.
01:14 I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House
01:20 during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky.
01:25 That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the
01:30 Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities
01:35 in Poland, among other nations.
01:40 I accept full responsibility for my actions.
01:42 (door creaking)
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