Prominent Jewish Canadian advocacy organizations are expressing outrage, after a Ukrainian nationalist who fought with the Nazis, was honoured with a standing ovation in the House of Commons on Friday.

Speaker Anthony Rota invited 98 year old Yaroslav Hunka to attend parliament for a speech delivered by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Rota introduced the elderly man as a Ukrainian hero and a Canadian hero.

Rota has since apologized in a statement, saying he had become aware of more information that made him regret his decision to invite Hunka, who lives in his riding.

Rota says he takes full responsibility for the decision and offers his deepest apologies to Jewish communities in Canada and around the world.

The Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre for Holocaust Studies has issued a statement saying an apology is owed to every Holocaust survivor and veteran of World War Two who fought the Nazis.

It goes on to say an explanation must be provided as to how this individual entered the hallowed halls of Canadian Parliament and received recognition from the Speaker of the House and a standing ovation.