A white nationalist from Austria, known for promoting extremist views, expressed his desire to visit Canada for an upcoming conference in Hamilton, despite being permanently banned from entering the UK. Martin Sellner, who advocates for “remigration,” a term referring to the mass deportation of immigrants, is scheduled to speak at an event organized by the Dominion Society on August 29.
Sellner faced a permanent ban from the UK in 2019 due to security concerns, with the government citing him as a significant threat to countering extremism. Additionally, his US travel permit was revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter donated funds to him. The shooter was responsible for the tragic events in New Zealand, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In 2024, German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner following a nationalist gathering that incited widespread protests. Canadian officials, citing privacy laws, declined to confirm Sellner’s admission status, emphasizing that individuals entering Canada must meet specific requirements outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar based in Hamilton, suggested that given Sellner’s restrictions in other countries, Canada should also consider limiting his entry. Mayor Andrea Horwath has been informing venue owners in Hamilton about the Dominion Society’s beliefs to help them make informed booking decisions.
The Dominion Society, a nationalist group in Canada, promotes the “great replacement” theory, claiming that white individuals are being replaced by racialized groups. The organization advocates for mass deportations, targeting various categories of individuals, including temporary foreign workers, permanent residents, and even Canadian-born citizens without Canadian parentage.
Experts warn that white supremacist groups exploit economic insecurities to advance their agendas, leveraging anxieties about housing, employment, and affordability. While Sellner and similar groups attempt to mainstream their ideologies, critics argue that their underlying goal remains rooted in ethnic-based deportations rather than legitimate immigration concerns.