A right-wing extremist from Austria, known for promoting radical views, expressed his hope this week that Canada would not prevent him from entering the country to attend a conference in Hamilton later this month. Martin Sellner, banned from the UK in 2019 due to security concerns, is scheduled to be a featured speaker at a gathering organized by the Dominion Society, which advocates for “remigration,” the mass expulsion of immigrants.
Sellner’s authorization to travel to the US was revoked in 2019 after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand had donated funds to him. Following a nationalist meeting that sparked significant protests, German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner in 2024.
Canadian officials, citing privacy laws, have not disclosed whether Sellner will be allowed entry into Canada. A spokesperson for Immigration Minister Lena Diab emphasized that individuals must meet the admissibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to enter Canada. Reasons for inadmissibility can include involvement in violent activities, terrorism, espionage, or affiliation with criminal organizations.
In response to a promotional post by the Dominion Society, Sellner expressed his anticipation of being permitted entry to Canada. Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar in Hamilton, suggested that if other countries have restricted Sellner’s access, Canada should consider similar measures.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been cautioning venue owners about the Dominion Society’s beliefs to help them make informed decisions about bookings. The Dominion Society website endorses the baseless “great replacement” conspiracy theory, alleging a deliberate replacement of white individuals with racialized groups. The group also advocates for the mass deportation of various individuals, including temporary foreign workers and non-Canadian citizens born in Canada.
Daniel Tyrie, chair of the Dominion Society, defended Sellner’s potential visit to Canada, criticizing any attempts to block him as political persecution. He labeled Horwath’s remarks as inappropriate and called for an apology. Joseph highlighted the challenges Hamilton faces with white nationalist groups organizing in the region and drew parallels between the Dominion Society’s strategies and those of other extremist groups.
Experts noted that economic insecurities are often exploited by white supremacists to push the “great replacement” theory, suggesting a deliberate dilution of white political influence through immigration policies. Raqib Naik from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate emphasized how anxieties about economic stability are manipulated by extremist groups to attract followers. The US State Department has used the term “remigration” to describe aspects of its migration policy.
Naik emphasized that individuals drawn to these movements are not necessarily white supremacists themselves but are often individuals grappling with genuine economic concerns.
