Martin Sellner, a far-right Austrian figure known for spreading extremist ideologies, expressed his hope this week of being allowed entry into Canada for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Sellner, who faced a permanent ban from the U.K. in 2019 and had his U.S. travel permit revoked the same year due to his connections with the Christchurch mosque shooter, is set to speak at a Dominion Society event promoting “remigration,” the mass deportation of immigrants.

Sellner’s controversial background has raised concerns about his potential admission to Canada. While Canadian officials have refrained from commenting on Sellner’s case due to privacy laws, Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office emphasized that individuals entering Canada must meet the country’s admissibility criteria as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Factors that could render someone inadmissible include involvement in violence or terrorism, espionage, or affiliation with organized crime groups.

Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar based in Hamilton, highlighted the need for Canada to evaluate Sellner’s entry given restrictions imposed by other nations. Mayor Andrea Horwath also took a stand against the Dominion Society, stating that the city will not provide space for their activities. The group’s website promotes the controversial “great replacement” theory, advocating against immigration by racialized individuals and supporting the mass deportation of various groups, including Canadian-born individuals.

Experts warn that white supremacist groups exploit economic concerns to push their agendas, with Sellner’s potential visit stirring debate on the boundaries of free speech and national security. Despite criticism, Dominion Society Chair Daniel Tyrie defended Sellner’s right to assembly and criticized attempts to prevent his visit as an act of political persecution. The clash between promoting free expression and combating hate speech has sparked a broader discussion on the rise of nationalist movements in Canada and around the world.