18.44°C Vancouver

Sep 26, 2023 6:04 PM - The Canadian Press

Who is Anthony Rota, the House of Commons Speaker who has been asked to resign?

Share On
who-is-anthony-rota-the-house-of-commons-speaker-who-has-been-asked-to-resign
Rota was first elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2004, and took on the job as Speaker in 2019 after winning a ranked ballot with the support of opposition parties.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Until Friday afternoon, Anthony Rota was considered a highly respected Speaker of the House of Commons on both sides of the parliamentary aisle.

That day, he invited a Ukrainian veteran who fought for the Nazis to the House of Commons to witness a speech by Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and lauded the man as a Canadian and Ukrainian hero.

Rota apologized to the House on Monday amid international criticism over the incident.

He is now facing calls to resign from all four major parties represented in the Commons.

Rota was first elected as a Liberal member of Parliament in 2004, and took on the job as Speaker in 2019 after winning a ranked ballot with the support of opposition parties.

He won the job again in 2021, and told MPs he would treasure their confidence in him for the rest of his life.

Latest news

grain-laden-semi-truck-overturns-on-highway-1-in-abbotsford-causing-major-traffic-delays
BCOct 08, 2026

Grain-Laden Semi-Truck Overturns on Highway 1 in Abbotsford, Causing Major Traffic Delays

A major traffic incident has been reported on Highway 1 near Sumas Way in Abbotsford, where a grain-loaded semi-truck overturned. The crash forced the closure of several highway lanes, causing significant traffic disruptions. No injuries have been reported in the incident. Abbotsford Police and emergency crews attended the scene to manage the situation. Highway 1 was reduced to a single lane in both directions, while the westbound on-ramp from Sumas Way was also closed. Police urged morning commuters to exercise extreme caution while travelling through the area, use alternate routes where poss
CanadaOct 08, 2026

Conservative Motion Seeking Additional Diesel Tax Relief Defeated in Commons

A Conservative motion calling for additional federal tax relief on diesel has been defeated in the House of Commons. The motion called for all federal taxes on diesel to be fully suspended until July 1, 2027. It also sought tax incentives to increase domestic diesel production in Canada. The federal government has already extended a temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax on diesel until Jan. 31, 2027. The Conservatives argued that further reducing diesel costs could help Canadians save at gas stations and grocery stores because diesel is an important part of the transportation and
man-accused-of-threatening-pm-mark-carney-faces-lengthy-prison-sentence
CanadaOct 07, 2026

Man Accused of Threatening PM Mark Carney Faces Lengthy Prison Sentence

A man facing charges for allegedly threatening the life of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and making threats against him could face a lengthy prison sentence. Prosecutors say that beyond the threats against the prime minister, the accused is also facing serious charges including extortion, which could result in an even longer prison term. Thirty-one-year-old Jamie Da Costa appeared in court by CCTV on Wednesday, while his lawyer was present in person. His lawyer requested until October 13 to review the case. Da Costa is currently being held at the Calgary Remand Centre. He is accused of t
BCOct 07, 2026

BC Conservatives Pledge to Scrap PST on Capital Equipment for Businesses

BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerksen announced during a campaign stop in Surrey today that his party would eliminate the provincial sales tax on capital equipment, such as machinery, for businesses across British Columbia. Doerksen also promised to appoint a Red Tape Reduction Minister to cut government paperwork and simplify complex regulations affecting businesses. He also responded to accusations from B.C. NDP Leader David Eby that the Conservatives would scrap the province’s no-fault insurance system. Doerksen said he agrees with Eby that insurance must remain affordable, but argued tha
eby-announces-major-support-measures-for-trade-war-hit-businesses
BCOct 07, 2026

Eby Announces Major Support Measures for Trade War-Hit Businesses

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby has announced interest-free loans for small businesses affected by the ongoing trade war. During an election campaign stop in Newton, Surrey, Eby said his government would provide tariff-affected small businesses with loans of up to $1 million for 72 months. He also promised a refundable tax credit of up to $5,000 for businesses that hire young people for their first jobs. Eby further pledged to expand support for B.C. companies looking to export to markets outside the United States. Meanwhile, Eby accused B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doorksen of making a secret dea

Related News