Canadian House Speaker resigns over Nazi tribute.
Canadian House Speaker Resigns Amid Controversy Over Honoring Nazi Veteran
Canadian House Speaker Anthony Rota resigned Tuesday amid a firestorm over a Nazi veteran guest who was honored as a “hero” in parliament last week.
“It is with a heavy heart that I rise to inform members of my resignation as speaker of the House of Commons. It is my greatest honor 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,” Rota began his remarks.
JUST IN — Canadian speaker of the house Anthony Rota resigns in shame after he led a chorus of applause for a literal NAZI. pic.twitter.com/YhIwzLA50Y
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 26, 2023
What Rota left out was that Hunka fought on the side of the Nazis, serving in the 14th Waffen-SS Grenadier Division, a volunteer division under Nazi command. The unit is accused of killing Polish and Jewish civilians, though it has not been convicted of crimes by a war tribunal, according to BBC.
“Obviously, it’s extremely upsetting that this happened. The speaker has acknowledged his mistake and apologized, but this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and, by extension, to all Canadians,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told reporters on Monday.
He appeared to blame Russian propaganda for the oversight but did not elaborate or provide specific examples of disinformation from foreign influences.
“I think it’s going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian propaganda, Russian disinformation, and continue our steadfast, unequivocal support for Ukraine,” he added.
NEW – Justin Trudeau blames Russian propaganda for Canadian Parliament honoring a Nazi.
“Obviously, it’s extremely upsetting that this happened… this is something that is deeply embarrassing to the Parliament of Canada…
It’s going to be really important that all of us push… pic.twitter.com/Zvk5ytkxmC
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) September 25, 2023
Rota faced numerous calls to resign following the scandal, according to POLITICO. Rota acknowledged the mistake Sunday, though his apology did little to settle the storm against him. He continued overseeing proceedings in the parliament on Monday during a session largely about him and the display that took place days prior.
MPs across the Canadian political spectrum condemned the incident. Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer blamed the prime minister’s office for the fiasco, accusing it of failing to do “a straightforward Google search” on the veteran honored on Friday.
“What kind of message does that send to Canada’s partners and allies around the world?” Scheer said on the floor of the House of Commons on Monday. “There was a Nazi in the Chamber.”
Liberal House Leader Karina Gould, who is Jewish, condemned the display as “deeply embarrassing” and “hurtful.” Gould said the incident should not be politicized and put all of the blame on Rota.
Rota accepted “full responsibility” and apologized on Sunday for honoring Hunka, saying the speaker had “subsequently become aware of more information” about the honoree.
“This initiative was entirely my own, the individual in question being from my riding [district] and having been brought to my attention,” Rota said. “I particularly want to extend my deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.”
Thing that is deeply embarrassing to the parliament of Canada and, by extension, to all Canadians,” he said. “And I think it’s going to be really important that all of us push back against Russian propaganda, Russian disinformation, and continue our steadfast, unequivocal support for Ukraine.”
What steps is the parliament of Canada taking to address the embarrassment caused by Russian interference and disinformation?
I can provide some general information on the topic. However, it’s important to note that my knowledge might not be up-to-date as the steps taken by the Parliament of Canada can vary over time.
To address Russian interference and disinformation, the Parliament of Canada has taken several steps:
1. Passing legislations: The Parliament has enacted laws to enhance cybersecurity and protect against foreign interference. For example, the Security of Canada Information Sharing Act allows government institutions to exchange information related to security threats, including foreign interference.
2. Strengthening electoral integrity: The Parliament has focused on protecting Canada’s electoral system from foreign interference. The Elections Modernization Act provides more robust measures to prevent foreign involvement in elections, including mandatory disclosure of political advertising on digital platforms.
3. Establishing committees: Parliamentary committees, such as the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, have been formed to examine issues related to foreign interference and disinformation. These committees conduct inquiries, gather evidence, and make recommendations for action.
4. Enhancing intelligence capabilities: The Parliament has allocated resources to national security agencies and intelligence services. This enables them to monitor, analyze, and respond to foreign interference threats effectively.
5. Collaboration with international allies: Canada collaborates with its international partners, particularly Five Eyes alliance members (Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States), to share information and coordinate efforts in countering Russian interference and disinformation campaigns.
These steps aim to address the challenges posed by Russian interference and disinformation, safeguard Canada’s democratic processes, and protect the integrity of public discourse.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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