Anthony Rota will step down as Speaker of the House of Commons at the end of the day today. On Tuesday, Rota stepped down in the face of international criticism after inviting a pro-Nazi veteran to a speech by Ukraine’s President last Friday. Rota said he was “deeply sorry” that he had called attention to the 98-year old veteran, who was part of a Ukrainian volunteer unit that fought alongside the Nazis in World War II.
The speaker’s presence in the House was met with criticism from all sides, including the governing Liberals. Justin Trudeau said the incident was “deeply embarrassing for Canada.” Following Rota’s resignation, the House of Commons will hold a special sitting to elect a new Speaker.
