Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave a speech at the Canadian House of Commons on 22 September. Following Zelensky's speech, Speaker Rota introduced 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka as a Ukrainian 'war hero' and members of the House of Commons applauded Hunka. In the following days, it was revealed that Hunka was in fact a Nazi soldier serving in the SS 14th Waffen Corps, which was formed from volunteers of Ukrainian origin in the Galicia region.

Following this development, Rota apologised, stating that the incident was entirely his responsibility.

"I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY"

Speaker of the House of Commons Rota said:

"On 22 September, in my speech after the President of Ukraine's speech, I introduced a person who was present in the hall. Later information made me regret this decision. I would like to make it clear that no one, including my fellow MPs and the Ukrainian delegation, was aware of my intentions or my words before my speech. This initiative is entirely my own, the person in question is from my region and was brought to my attention. I would like to express my deepest apologies, especially to the Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. I take full responsibility."