A white nationalist Austrian figure, banned indefinitely from the United Kingdom for promoting extremist ideologies, expressed his desire for Canada not to bar his entry as he plans to speak at a conference in Hamilton later this month. Marketed as a keynote speaker for a Dominion Society event on August 29, Martin Sellner advocates for “remigration,” the mass expulsion of immigrants.
Sellner faced a permanent ban from the UK in 2019 due to security concerns, with a government letter highlighting him as a significant threat to countering extremism. Additionally, his U.S. travel permit was revoked the same year after revelations that the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque attacks in New Zealand made a donation to him. The Christchurch shooter was convicted of 51 murders and 40 attempted murders in the 2019 terrorist incident.
Sellner encountered a three-year entry ban from Germany in 2024 following protests stemming from a nationalist gathering. Canadian government officials cited privacy laws when questioned about Sellner’s potential admission, emphasizing that individuals must meet the criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter Canada. Reasons for inadmissibility include involvement in violence or terrorism, organized crime affiliation, or espionage.
Sellner’s anticipation of entry into Canada was met with skepticism by Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar based in Hamilton, who urged Canada to consider restrictions if other nations have done so. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been informing local venue owners about the Dominion Society’s beliefs, highlighting the group’s advocacy for remigration and its association with Canada’s white nationalist movement.
The Dominion Society’s website promotes the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, suggesting white people are being replaced by racialized individuals, and advocates for the mass deportation of various groups. Sellner’s potential visit has stirred controversy, with opinions divided on whether his presence should be allowed in the country. White supremacists exploit economic insecurities to push their agendas, exploiting genuine concerns about housing, job opportunities, and affordability.