A white nationalist figure from Austria, known for promoting extremist views, expressed his hope that Canada would not deny him entry for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner, who was banned from the U.K. and had his U.S. travel permit revoked in 2019, is slated to speak at a Dominion Society event advocating for the mass deportation of immigrants.
Sellner, who faced entry bans in multiple countries due to his associations with extremist elements, including receiving donations from the Christchurch mosque shooter, is now seeking entry to Canada. While Canadian officials have not confirmed his admittance status, they stated that individuals must meet admissibility criteria as per Canadian immigration laws.
Hamilton-based anti-racism scholar Ameil Joseph emphasized the need for Canada to consider restricting Sellner’s access, given the concerns raised by other nations. Mayor Andrea Horwath has taken steps to inform venue owners about the Dominion Society’s agenda to ensure informed booking decisions and to prevent the rental of city spaces to the group.
The Dominion Society, a nationalist organization, promotes controversial views such as the “great replacement” theory and advocates for mass deportations, sparking concerns among anti-racism groups and officials in Hamilton. The group’s chair, Daniel Tyrie, defended Sellner’s potential entry and criticized the mayor’s stance, asserting the right to peaceful assembly and political discussion.
Experts caution that such groups exploit economic anxieties to push divisive narratives, including the notion of white population dilution through immigration policies. Concerns have been raised about the Dominion Society’s tactics and messaging, drawing parallels to historical figures like David Duke and highlighting the need to address the underlying issues driving support for such ideologies.
Overall, the controversy surrounding Sellner’s potential visit to Canada underscores the ongoing debates around extremism, immigration, and the rise of nationalist movements in various parts of the world.