Title: Opposition Demands Clarity on Ban of Irish Hip-Hop Group

OTTAWA — The Conservative and New Democratic parties are increasing their calls for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to clarify a recent announcement regarding the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap. The group was reportedly banned from entering Canada due to allegations of promoting "political violence."

The controversy began two weeks ago when Vince Gasparro, Carney's parliamentary secretary for combating crime, stated in a video posted on social media that Kneecap members were deemed "ineligible to enter Canada." Gasparro, a Liberal MP from Toronto, claimed the group had engaged in actions and made statements contrary to Canadian values and laws.

Since Gasparro's announcement, confusion has arisen. The band's manager has stated to various media outlets that they received no official notification from the government regarding the ban. Additionally, Kneecap has publicly declared on social media that Gasparro's comments were "wholly untrue and deeply malicious." Their upcoming performances in Toronto have been canceled, although the band's management has not yet responded to inquiries about the situation.

Both the Conservatives and New Democrats are pressing the Carney government for answers, particularly from Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. Diab and her department have repeatedly declined to comment, citing privacy concerns. Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Opposition Conservatives, stated, "Either the parliamentary secretary lied to his constituents and all Canadians knowingly, or the government is cowering now in the face of controversy. But either way, Canadians deserve an answer from a government that has stood on both sides of this issue."

The controversy comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Liberal government's response to rising antisemitism in Canada, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since that date, Jewish advocacy groups have criticized the government for not adequately addressing the increase in hate crimes and intimidation against the Jewish community. The Liberal caucus has also shown divisions over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Gasparro's announcement coincided with Justice Minister Sean Fraser's introduction of a bill aimed at curbing protests near places of worship and banning the display of certain hate symbols, including flags associated with terrorist organizations.

When asked about the ban, Gasparro declined to provide further details, stating that inquiries should be directed to the government. He previously mentioned that he acted on information available to him at the time.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs had raised concerns about Kneecap's performances for weeks prior to the announcement. They had launched an "action alert" in July, seeking clarity from the Canadian government on the group's admissibility. Among the concerns was an incident where a member of Kneecap allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag during a performance in London, which was captured on video. Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organization in both Canada and the United Kingdom.

A terrorism charge related to this incident was recently dropped by a U.K. judge due to a missed filing deadline. NDP MP Jenny Kwan has also sought answers from Metlege Diab, questioning the timing of Gasparro's announcement before the resolution of the court case against one of the band members. Kwan emphasized the need for accountability in such decisions, stating, "Canada needs to make sure that such decisions are accountable and that they’re not subject to arbitrary and political weaponization."

A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency stated that they do not comment on individual cases but work closely with international partners and officials in Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which handles visa and admissibility decisions. The department reiterated that entry to Canada may be denied for various reasons, including security concerns or criminal activity. Applicants are informed of their visa status via email, and those whose applications are declined can reapply after addressing the reasons for refusal.