Canadian lawmaker Anthony Rota resigned as speaker of the House of Commons Tuesday, days after he led a standing ovation in Parliament for a Canadian Ukrainian veteran who fought in a Nazi SS unit during World War II. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky joined in on applauding 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka. This is Anthony Rota speaking Tuesday.

Speaker Anthony Rota: “I reiterate my profound regret for my error in recognizing an individual in the House during the joint address to Parliament of President Zelensky. That public recognition has caused pain to individuals and communities, including the Jewish community in Canada and around the world, in addition to survivors of Nazi atrocities in Poland, among other nations. I accept full responsibility for my actions.”

Meanwhile, Poland’s education minister said he is taking steps to investigate whether Hunka was involved in crimes against Poles during the war, and to possibly extradite him to stand trial in Poland.