Austrian far-right figure Martin Sellner, known for extremist views, expressed his desire to enter Canada for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. The Dominion Society is promoting Sellner as a keynote speaker for their August event, advocating for “remigration,” the mass expulsion of immigrants.
Sellner faced bans in the UK and the US due to his associations with extremist elements. German authorities also imposed a ban on Sellner in 2024 following nationalist gatherings that sparked significant protests.
Canadian officials have not disclosed whether Sellner will be allowed entry, citing privacy laws. Immigration Minister Lena Diab’s office emphasized that all visitors must meet the country’s admissibility criteria as per the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which includes barring individuals engaged in violence, terrorism, or organized crime.
Sellner’s potential visit has raised concerns among experts like Ameil Joseph, who suggests that if other nations have restricted Sellner, Canada should consider the same. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has informed venue owners about the Dominion Society’s agenda, emphasizing the city’s stance against hate and discrimination.
The Dominion Society’s website promotes the “great replacement” theory, alleging a deliberate replacement of white populations by non-white groups through mass immigration. The group pushes for mass deportations, targeting various categories of individuals, including temporary workers and non-citizen-born Canadians.
In response to criticisms, Dominion Society Chair Daniel Tyrie defended Sellner’s potential visit, condemning any effort to block him as political persecution. He criticized Mayor Horwath’s comments as inappropriate and argued for the group’s right to assemble peacefully and discuss their vision.
Experts warn that groups like Dominion Society exploit economic fears to propagate extremist ideologies like the “great replacement” theory, suggesting governments use immigration to weaken white political influence. This tactic has been observed to mobilize individuals with genuine economic concerns, who may not align with white supremacist ideologies but are manipulated by such groups.
The US State Department’s migration strategy includes the concept of “remigration,” aiming to facilitate the return of populations to their countries of origin. Analysts caution against overlooking the economic anxieties that extremist groups exploit to advance their divisive narratives.