Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons resigns after inviting a former member of a Nazi military unit to Parliament.
The speaker of the Canadian House of Commons has announced his resignation following an incident where he invited a man who was associated with a Nazi military unit during World War II to attend a speech by the Ukrainian president. The retired former member of the unit was recognized during the president’s address, leading to criticism and public outcry.
News of the man’s background as a member of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, also known as the SS 14th Waffen Division, began to circulate over the weekend, sparking controversy and concern.
In his statement, the speaker expressed regret for the recognition of the individual, acknowledging the pain it caused to various communities, including the Jewish community and Nazi survivors. He took full responsibility for his actions and stepped down as a result.
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Following the announcement, leaders from all major political parties in Canada called for the speaker’s resignation, citing a loss of confidence. Government House leader Karina Gould emphasized that the incident brought shame and embarrassment to Parliament and the country.
Gould, who has personal connections to the Jewish community and Holocaust survivors, expressed her personal hurt and stated that the incident affected all members of the House and Canadians as a whole.
The speaker’s decision to invite and recognize the retired individual without informing the government or the Ukrainian delegation was seen as a serious mistake. The incident was considered incredibly embarrassing, with far-reaching implications for Canada’s reputation.
Criticism of the incident came not only from Canada but also internationally. The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies highlighted the stain it left on the country’s legislature and its impact on relations with Ukraine and Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for portraying his Ukrainian enemies as “neo-Nazis,” condemned the incident and used it to justify his military actions in Ukraine. Experts also noted the unintended propaganda victory this incident handed to Russia.
In response to the criticism, the speaker apologized and took full responsibility for the invitation. He explained that it was his own decision and that he had contacted the former member through his son, who represents the same district. Members of Parliament applauded the retired individual without being aware of his background.
The prime minister’s office stated that they were unaware of the invitation until after the address. The speaker’s office also confirmed that it did not share the invite list with any other party or group. The vetting process for visitors to the gallery focused on physical security threats rather than reputational threats.
Overall, the incident has caused significant controversy and damage to Canada’s reputation. It has sparked discussions about the vetting process for individuals attending Parliamentary events and raised questions about the speaker’s role and responsibilities.+
It’s important to note that the speaker’s resignation does not absolve the government of any responsibility, as the speaker is not involved in partisan politics or decision-making.
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