Trudeau Under Fire for Honoring Nazi Veteran: Opposition Leader Demands Apology
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces criticism for honoring a 98-year-old veteran of the Nazi division, receiving backlash from opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and human rights groups. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy discusses Russia's aggression and thanks Canada for support.
Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, is facing criticism from opposition leader Pierre Poilievre for meeting and honoring a 98-year-old veteran of the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi division. Poilievre demanded an apology from Trudeau over the matter, calling it an "appalling error in judgment." The veteran was recognized on the floor of the House of Commons during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Canada.
Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, a Canadian human rights group, expressed outrage over the recognition of a Ukrainian veteran who fought for the Nazis and received a standing ovation from Canadian parliamentarians. Speaker of Canada's House of Commons, Anthony Rota, apologized for introducing the veteran, taking full responsibility for his actions and expressing deep apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy addressed the Canadian Parliament, highlighting the need to end Russia's aggression and expressing gratitude for Canada's support of Ukraine.