In a recent development regarding the entry ban of the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have stated they were neither involved in nor consulted about the announcement made by parliamentary secretary Vince Gasparro. The controversy arose after Gasparro, who is also a Liberal MP, declared the group’s entry into Canada as “ineligible” due to allegations of advocating political violence and glorifying terrorist organizations.
The video announcement, shared on X on September 19, continues to circulate online despite the rising questions regarding its legitimacy. Following inquiries from NDP MP Jenny Kwan, federal officials have clarified their positions in response to an order paper question. The CBSA emphasized that it had not been consulted regarding Gasparro’s announcement, which falls under the agency’s purview for administering and enforcing entry bans on foreign individuals.
In a related statement, the Prime Minister’s Office echoed that it had no involvement in Gasparro’s decision to make the announcement, referring specifically to his riding, Eglinton—Lawrence. Kwan expressed her concerns about the lack of clarity surrounding the announcement, asking who provided the information that led Gasparro to make such claims. She noted that there remains significant confusion regarding the authoritative figures who sanctioned this course of action.
Gasparro’s office pointed to the statements from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as comprehensive put forth on the matter, responding that he has shared all relevant information. However, the response from the IRCC included information pertinent to the group’s status: one member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, had his electronic travel authorization (eTA) canceled in August for allegedly providing incomplete information in his application. Although this cancellation occurred prior to Gasparro’s announcement, it allows for potential future applications from Óg Ó hAnnaidh since the IRCC stated he is still eligible to apply.
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Concerning Kneecap’s other two members, John James Ó Dochartaigh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, their eTA applications are currently under review, and they have been instructed not to travel to Canada until further notice. Kwan expressed frustration over the lack of a clear timeline for the review process, further questioning if this could be a stalling tactic.
The IRCC also mentioned in its response that inadmissibility typically ends once a person is no longer in a state of non-compliance, indicating that there may not be a definitive entry ban in effect for Kneecap. Despite the report being tabled just before a 45-day deadline, it raises more questions than answers.
The handling of this situation has drawn bipartisan scrutiny, with Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman accusing Gasparro of either being misinformed or misrepresenting the facts. She suggested that such an oversight would typically warrant disciplinary action in other workplaces. Lantsman has called for a parliamentary investigation to probe the announcement’s legitimacy and the government’s openness regarding the matter.
Kwan has also been vocal, labeling Gasparro a “rogue Liberal MP” and questioning the accountability of his unilateral actions. She has sought responses from Immigration Minister Lena Diab regarding potential repercussions for Gasparro’s conduct but has yet to receive a reply.
Kneecap has publicly asserted that it does not endorse any terrorist organizations or advocate violence against Jewish individuals, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause without promoting extremist ideologies. This stance aligns with their ongoing legal challenges against Gasparro, who has claimed he is untroubled by the potential lawsuit.
Meanwhile, organizations such as the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs and B’nai Brith Canada have lauded the government’s stance as a necessary measure against perceived threats. The unfolding situation underscores significant tensions not just around the specific incident, but also regarding broader issues of free speech, political expression, and governmental decision-making processes.
