The speaker of Canada’s House of Commons resigned Tuesday for inviting a man who fought for a Nazi military unit during World War II to Parliament to attend a speech by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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00:00 We have here in the chamber today a Ukrainian-Canadian world veteran from the Second World War who
00:07 fought the Ukrainian independence against the Russians.
00:11 [APPLAUSE]
00:13 Prime Minister, do you still have confidence in Anthony Rota as Speaker of the House of
00:40 Commons?
00:41 As I said yesterday, this was deeply embarrassing for the House and for Canada.
00:53 It is a good thing that Speaker Rota apologized personally and I'm sure he's reflecting
01:01 now on how to ensure the dignity of the House going forward.
01:05 The work of this House is above any of us, therefore I must step down as your Speaker.
01:14 I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House
01:19 during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky.
01:24 That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the
01:29 Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities
01:34 in Poland, among other nations.
01:39 I accept full responsibility for my actions.
01:43 My resignation is effective at the end of the sitting day tomorrow, Wednesday, September
01:47 27th, to allow preparations for the election of a new Speaker.
01:52 Until that time, the Deputy Speakers will chair the House proceedings.