A right-wing Austrian individual with white nationalist views, who was permanently prohibited from entering the UK due to promoting extremist ideologies, expressed his hope that Canada would allow him entry for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner is slated to be a keynote speaker at a Dominion Society event advocating for “remigration,” the mass expulsion of immigrants.
Sellner faced a UK entry ban in 2019 for being identified as a serious security threat in countering extremism. His US travel permit was revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter donated funds to him. Sellner was also given a three-year entry ban by German authorities in 2024 following nationalist meetings amid significant protests.
While Canadian officials have not disclosed whether Sellner will be granted entry, they emphasized that individuals must meet the admissibility standards outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Reasons for being deemed inadmissible include involvement in violence or terrorism-related activities, espionage, or affiliation with organized crime.
Sellner’s potential visit to Canada has raised concerns, with anti-racism scholar Ameil Joseph suggesting that if other nations have restricted his access, Canada should consider doing the same. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been informing venue owners about the Dominion Society’s objectives to aid in their decision-making process.
The Dominion Society promotes the conspiracy theory of the “great replacement,” asserting that white individuals are being replaced by racialized groups. Their agenda includes advocating for the mass deportation of various categories of individuals, such as temporary foreign workers, permanent residents, and even Canadian-born citizens to non-Canadian parents.
Experts warn that groups like the Dominion Society exploit economic anxieties to attract support for their ideologies. While the Dominion Society chair argued that preventing Sellner’s entry would be political persecution, critics emphasize the need to address the rise of white nationalist sentiments in the region.
Concerns are also raised about the mainstreaming of extremist ideas through seemingly legitimate platforms, drawing parallels to historical figures like David Duke. These groups often attempt to present their views in a manner that aligns with mainstream discourse while advancing discriminatory and exclusionary narratives.
The concept of “remigration,” which suggests deliberate dilution of white political power through immigration policies, has gained traction in various countries, including the US. Experts point out that anxieties about housing, job opportunities, and affordability are exploited by white supremacists to further their agendas.