Canada did not screen former Nazi for ‘reputational threat’ before he received standing ovation in parliament

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) - Administrative staff in Canada did not screen a former Nazi for “reputational risks” before he appeared in front of parliament last year, according to an official in parliament.

Yaroslav Hunka, a Ukrainian member of the Waffen-SS Galicia Division in World War II, received a standing ovation by Canadian lawmakers in September when he was introduced during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Hunka’s Nazi past was later revealed, embarrassing Canada on the world stage and as a result, Speaker of the House Anthony Rota, who invited him, resigned.

Lawmakers were stumped on the question about how a man with Hunka’s past was allowed to appear before parliament. At a committee session Tuesday, members were told that the regular procedure was followed for those appearing in parliament -- Hunka was screened for security risks, but not for “reputational threats.”

“Guests to Parliament are not screened for reputational threats which, in any event, would be difficult to achieve in the very short time available for the organization of such ceremonies,” Clerk of the House of Commons Eric Janse told committee lawmakers.

He told members that normally, those invited to parliament are not singled out for recognition and staff were unaware Hunka’s introduction was planned by Rota.

“Almost all guests are merely spectators and play no formal role in an address to parliament,” he said. “To date, reputational verifications have not been part of what we've been asked to do.”