A controversial far-right Austrian individual, known for promoting extremist ideologies, expressed his hope this week to be allowed entry into Canada for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner is slated to be a featured speaker at a Dominion Society event on August 29, which advocates for the concept of “remigration” involving the mass removal of immigrants.
Sellner faced a permanent ban from entering the United Kingdom in 2019 due to security concerns, as he was deemed a significant threat to the country’s efforts against extremism. Additionally, his U.S. travel permit was revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand had made a donation to him. The Christchurch attacker was responsible for the deaths of 51 individuals and the attempted murder of 40 others in a terrorist incident in March 2019.
In 2024, Sellner was handed a three-year entry ban by German authorities following a nationalist gathering that sparked significant protests. While Canadian officials have not disclosed whether Sellner will be granted entry into Canada, they emphasized that individuals must meet the admissibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which can include reasons such as involvement in violence, terrorism, or organized crime groups.
Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar based in Hamilton, suggested that if other nations have restricted Sellner’s access, Canada should consider similar actions. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been informing local venue owners about the Dominion Society’s beliefs to help them make informed booking decisions. The Dominion Society’s platform includes promoting the “great replacement” conspiracy theory and advocating for the mass deportation of various groups of people.
Experts warn that white supremacist groups exploit economic insecurities to push divisive narratives, such as the “great replacement” theory, which alleges a deliberate effort to diminish the political influence of white populations through immigration policies. Raquib Naik, from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate in Washington, highlighted how the concept of remigration has gained traction in mainstream discourse, aiming to address anxieties about housing, job markets, and affordability.
Sellner’s supporters argue that barring him from Canada would constitute political persecution, emphasizing the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Nonetheless, concerns persist about the potential influence of groups like the Dominion Society, as they attempt to convey their exclusionary ideologies within the bounds of mainstream political dialogue.
The Dominion Society’s efforts to sanitize their rhetoric and appeal to broader audiences mirror strategies employed by past extremist figures seeking political legitimacy. By exploiting societal concerns and fears, these groups aim to advance their discriminatory agendas while cloaking them in seemingly acceptable language.