STATEMENT: Prime Minister Trudeau Apologizes on Behalf of Parliament

In a few moments I will address the House, in front of all Canadians, in front of Jewish people here and around the world, and Ukrainians, to offer Parliament’s unreserved apologies for what happened on Friday.

The Speaker was solely responsible for the invitation and recognition of this man, and has wholly accepted that responsibility and stepped down.

This was a mistake that has deeply embarrassed Parliament and Canada. All of us who were in the House on Friday regret, deeply, having stood and clapped, even though we did so unaware of the context.

It was a horrendous violation of the memory of the millions of people who died in the Holocaust, and was deeply, deeply painful for Jewish people.

It also hurt Polish people, Roma people, 2SLGTBQI+ people, disabled people, racialized people, and the many millions who were targeted by the Nazi genocide.

Every year there are fewer and fewer holocaust survivors to share firsthand the horrors of what they experienced and it is therefore incumbent on us all to make sure no one ever forgets what happened.

I also want to reiterate how deeply sorry Canada is for the situation this put President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian delegation in.

It is extremely troubling to think that this egregious error is also hurting Ukraine’s defence and being politicized by Russia, and its supporters, to provide false propaganda about what Ukraine is fighting for.

Friday’s Joint session was about what Canada stands for.

About our steadfast support of Ukraine’s fight against Putin’s brutality, lies, and violence.

It was a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the sacrifices of Ukrainians as they fight for their democracy, their freedom, their language and culture, and for peace.

This is the side Canada was on in WWII, and the side we are on today.