A white nationalist from Austria, known for promoting extremist ideologies, expressed his hopes of not facing entry denial into Canada for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner is scheduled to speak at a Dominion Society event on August 29, advocating for “remigration,” which involves mass deportations of immigrants.
Sellner was permanently banned from the U.K. in 2019 due to security concerns, with the government citing him as a threat to counter-extremism efforts. His U.S. travel permit was also revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand had donated money to him. German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner in 2024 following nationalist meetings that sparked significant protests.
Canadian officials have refrained from disclosing Sellner’s admission status, citing privacy laws. They emphasized that anyone entering Canada must meet the requirements set in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which includes considerations for espionage, involvement in violent groups, terrorism, or organized crime.
Sellner’s potential visit to Canada has raised concerns, with calls for restrictions given his history of being banned from other countries. Anti-racism advocates in Hamilton, like Ameil Joseph, believe that Canada should evaluate whether Sellner’s entry aligns with the country’s values, especially considering his exclusion from other nations.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been proactive in informing venue owners about the Dominion Society’s ideologies to guide their decision-making processes. The city has taken a firm stance against renting space to the Dominion Society, which promotes controversial theories such as the “great replacement,” alleging a deliberate demographic shift to diminish the white population.
Critics argue that groups like the Dominion Society exploit economic concerns to advance their anti-immigration agendas. While proponents defend their right to assemble and express opinions, opponents caution against enabling hate speech and discriminatory practices. The debate surrounding Sellner’s potential visit underscores broader issues related to immigration, nationalism, and extremism in modern societies.