Anthony Rota has resigned as Speaker of the House of Commons.
At the beginning of Question Period today, Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing-Timiskaming, said it was with a heavy heart that he’s resigning, stating it was his greatest honour as a parliamentarian to have been elected speaker by his peers.
Rota reiterated his profound regret for his error, inviting a constituent who fought for the Nazis in the Second World War to parliament the day Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Canada.
Following Zelenskyy’s speech to parliamentarians, Rota acknowledged the 98-year-old as a hero and led a standing ovation for the man.
He says the public recognition caused pain to individuals and communities, including Jewish communities in Canada and around the world, along with survivors of Nazi atrocities.
He said he accepts full responsibility for his actions, and his resignation is effective at the end of the sitting day tomorrow, Sept. 27.
