PM Trudeau apologizing for Speaker's Nazi invite

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is offering Parliament's 'unreserved apologies' following the recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says shortly he will address the House of Commons and all Canadians, to offer Parliament's "unreserved apologies" for outgoing House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota's recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

This is a breaking news update, previous version follows…

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to speak to reporters on Parliament Hill ahead of question period, amid calls for him to apologize on behalf of the country for outgoing House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota's recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.

While Trudeau walked past reporters without stopping to take questions both on his way in and out of Wednesday's Liberal caucus meeting, his office says the prime minister "will be making a brief statement" around 2 p.m. ET.

Trudeau's address will come just minutes before he heads in to question period, where it's his day of the week to field all of the questions, making it the first time he answers for the situation in the House since the controversy exploded. 

Rota resigned Tuesday, the result of all-party pressure for him to do so after he invited 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran Yaroslav Hunka who fought in a volunteer unit under Nazi command to Parliament.

The recognition came during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address last Friday and has led to international embarrassment for the Canadian government.