Greg Fergus, a Quebec Liberal lawmaker, has been elected as the new Speaker of Canada’s House of Commons, becoming the first Black Canadian to hold this position. The election followed the resignation of Anthony Rota, who stepped down after facing controversy for inviting and honoring a man with ties to a Nazi military unit during World War II.

Rota’s decision to honor 98-year-old Yaroslav Hunka, whom he introduced as a war hero of the First Ukrainian Division, led to a standing ovation from Canadian lawmakers. However, it was later revealed that the First Ukrainian Division had also been known as the Waffen-SS Galicia Division, a voluntary unit under Nazi command. Rota subsequently apologized, stating that he had not been aware of this history.

In his first address as Speaker, Fergus, 54, pledged to lead with respect and urged his fellow lawmakers to treat each other with respect as well. He emphasized that Canadians are watching and likened the Speaker’s role to that of a referee in hockey, emphasizing that people come to see the stars (lawmakers) rather than the referee.

Source: with agencies