A white nationalist figure from Austria, known for extremist views, expressed hopes that Canada will not bar his entry for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner, who advocates for “remigration” – the mass deportation of immigrants, is set to be a key speaker at a Dominion Society conference on August 29.
Sellner faced a permanent ban from the U.K. in 2019 due to security concerns related to his extremist activities. His U.S. travel permit was also revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter donated funds to him. German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner in 2024 following nationalist gatherings that sparked significant protests.
Canadian officials, citing privacy laws, have not disclosed whether Sellner will be allowed entry. The Immigration Minister’s office emphasized that individuals entering Canada must meet specific admissibility criteria outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which includes restrictions on individuals engaging in violence, terrorism, or organized crime.
Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar based in Hamilton, urged Canada to consider restricting Sellner’s access if other nations have done so. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has informed local venue owners about the Dominion Society’s anti-immigrant stance, stating that the city will not rent space to the organization.
The Dominion Society of Canada, a nationalist group, promotes the “great replacement” conspiracy theory suggesting a shift from white to racialized populations. The group advocates for the mass deportation of various individuals, including temporary foreign workers and non-Canadian citizens born in Canada.
Experts warn that white supremacist groups exploit economic anxieties to push their agendas. Daniel Tyrie, Dominion Society chair, defended Sellner’s entry to Canada, labeling any potential restrictions as political persecution. However, critics argue that such groups use mainstream rhetoric to veil their extremist ideologies and manipulate public sentiments.
Raqib Naik, from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate, highlighted the use of economic concerns to propagate the “great replacement” theory, indicating a deliberate dilution of white political power through immigration policies. Naik emphasized that individuals drawn to these movements often harbor legitimate anxieties about housing, job markets, and affordability, which are exploited by white supremacists.