A far-right, white nationalist Austrian, who was permanently barred from the United Kingdom for promoting extremist ideologies, expressed his hope this week that Canada will allow him entry for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner is slated to be a keynote speaker at a Dominion Society conference on August 29, advocating for “remigration,” which involves mass deportations of immigrants.
Sellner faced a permanent entry ban in the U.K. in 2019 due to security concerns as he was deemed a serious threat to the country’s efforts against extremism. His U.S. travel permit was also revoked in the same year after it was discovered that the Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand had donated approximately 1,500 euros to him. The shooter was found guilty of killing 51 people and attempting to murder 40 others in a terrorist attack in March 2019.
In 2024, German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner following a nationalist meeting that sparked significant protests. Canadian government officials, citing privacy laws, did not disclose whether Sellner would be allowed entry. They emphasized that individuals entering Canada must meet the admissibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which includes reasons such as involvement in violence, terrorism, espionage, or organized crime that may render one inadmissible.
Sellner’s potential visit to Canada has raised concerns, with anti-racism scholar Ameil Joseph suggesting that if other nations have restricted his access, Canada should consider similar measures. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been notifying venue owners in the area about the Dominion Society’s beliefs, emphasizing the city’s stance against hate, racism, and discrimination. The mayor confirmed that the City of Hamilton would not rent any space to the Dominion Society.
The Dominion Society of Canada, labeled as a nationalist group, endorses the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, alleging that white individuals are being replaced by racialized groups. The organization advocates for mass deportations, including of temporary foreign workers, permanent residents, and individuals born in Canada to non-Canadian citizens.
Experts warn that white supremacist groups exploit economic anxieties to push their divisive narratives. Daniel Tyrie, chair of the Dominion Society, defended Sellner’s potential visit to Canada, labeling any attempt to block him as political persecution. However, critics argue that such groups, including the Dominion Society, use mainstream political discourse to veil their extremist views.
The Dominion Society’s promotion of the “great replacement” theory has sparked concerns about the deliberate use of immigration to diminish the political influence of white populations. Experts highlight how these groups exploit people’s economic concerns to advance their discriminatory agendas.