SOUND OFF: Canadian parliament’s honouring of a Nazi soldier far more than just a gaffe

These men should never be forgotten, nor should the applause of one of their enemies ever be dismissed as a “gaffe.”

The horrible truth Collins needs to realize is that we have a knack for sweeping disgraceful historical events under the rug in this country. The stories of Nazis settling in Canada and living their lives in peace after the Second World War is horrifying. How did we all not know about this? Why are there memorials to the Galician Division in Canada?

Doug Collins is doing the same thing as what we always seem to do — sweeping a disgraceful episode under the rug.

He is right, there currently are more important issues that should be focused on. The cost-of-living crisis is absurd and the partisanship at the parliament levels is childish on how to deal with these issues.

But moving on is not a solution to this issue. Better education is — especially an emphasis on the Second World War outside of the Canadian domestic front, which is all I was taught in school. Canadians, especially lawmakers, must know who we fought with, why we fought the war, and how the conflict happened.

I have met too many people who don’t even know why the war started, despite the huge access to information we now possess in this technological age. I’ve even had a conversation with someone who blamed the Allies for the war, as if they were to blame for unprovoked Nazi invasions! If that argument tracks, then we should also lay blame for the Holocaust on the Jewish peoples. Utter nonsense!

People must know more about the Second World War. We must not forget why these events occurred, as forgetfulness of history is driving our world into chaos. Applauding a Nazi in the Canadian parliament is an example of such.

Furthermore, as someone who comes from a family who fought the Nazis and never surrendered, I can strongly say that I will never forget Canada’s parliament did this.

This is a stain on the legacy of those Allied soldiers who fell for the very liberty of all of us. They gave their lives for the cause of liberty and human rights, and in return, our parliament gave a standing ovation to one of their enemies.

If Doug Collins wishes to move on, then he can do so by himself, as I will never forget or forgive the actions of Sept. 22, nor will my view of Canada ever be the same again.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by Harry Chadwick

SOUND OFF: Canadian parliament’s honouring of a Nazi soldier far more than just a gaffe

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