A far-right, white nationalist Austrian who has faced permanent exclusion from the United Kingdom for promoting extremist views expressed hope that Canada will allow him entry for an upcoming conference in Hamilton. Martin Sellner is slated as a featured speaker for a Dominion Society conference on August 29, which advocates for “remigration,” the mass deportation of immigrants.
Sellner was banned from entering the U.K. in 2019 due to security concerns. His U.S. travel permit was also revoked the same year after it was revealed that the Christchurch mosque shooter in New Zealand had donated funds to him. German authorities imposed a three-year entry ban on Sellner in 2024 following protests triggered by a nationalist gathering.
Canadian officials have refrained from disclosing whether Sellner will be permitted entry, citing privacy laws. The Immigration Minister’s office emphasized that individuals entering Canada must meet the admissibility standards outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which may bar entry for reasons such as involvement in violence, terrorism, or organized crime.
Sellner’s anticipation of entry into Canada has sparked concerns among experts and local figures. Ameil Joseph, an anti-racism scholar in Hamilton, suggested that if Sellner has been restricted in other countries, Canada should also consider barring his entry. Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath has been engaging venue owners to inform them about the Dominion Society’s principles, emphasizing that there is no place for hate or discrimination in the city.
The Dominion Society’s website promotes the “great replacement” conspiracy theory, asserting that white individuals are being replaced by racialized groups. The group advocates for the mass deportation of various individuals, including temporary foreign workers and permanent residents.
In response to potential restrictions on Sellner’s entry to Canada, Dominion Society Chair Daniel Tyrie argued against any perceived political persecution. He criticized Mayor Horwath’s remarks as inappropriate, asserting that all Canadians have the right to assemble and express their views peacefully.
Experts highlight that groups like the Dominion Society exploit economic concerns to advance white nationalist ideologies. They utilize rhetoric that aligns with mainstream discourse while promoting exclusionary policies. The concept of “remigration” has gained traction in political circles, with proponents aiming to reduce non-white populations in various countries.
Raqib Naik from the Center for the Study of Organized Hate in Washington noted how anxieties about the economy can be manipulated to support the “great replacement” theory. He emphasized that individuals drawn to these movements often harbor legitimate concerns about housing, job markets, and affordability, which white supremacists leverage for their agenda.