Le gouvernement Carney accusé de censurer l’eurodéputée Rima Hassan

Canadian left-wing political and activist organizations are accusing the federal government of censorship after French Member of European Parliament Rima Hassan was denied entry to Canada. Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian representative from the La France insoumise party, had her Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) revoked shortly before she was scheduled to arrive in Montreal for a series of conferences.

The decision has sparked condemnation from civil liberty groups and opposition politicians, who allege that the Carney government yielded to pressure from pro-Israel lobbying organizations. Hassan was set to participate in two events in Montreal focused on antifascism and pro-Palestinian activism, organized by a coalition of community groups including Alternatives and Médecins du Québec contre le génocide à Gaza.

Authorization Revoked Before Departure

According to organizers, Hassan’s travel authorization was cancelled the day before her scheduled departure. Although holders of French passports do not require a visa to enter Canada, they must obtain an electronic authorization. Hassan stated she had initially received the authorization but was later asked to provide additional documentation, including bank statements and a list of family links, just hours before her flight.

Dr. Sophie Zhang, a member of Médecins du Québec contre le génocide à Gaza, characterized the move as a political decision rather than a standard administrative procedure. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 30, Zhang argued that the government is bending to the influence of lobby groups.

Preventing a European member of parliament from coming at the last minute, without credible justification […] is not a normal administrative procedure, it is a political decision. It is Canada bending, once again, under the pressure of Zionist lobby groups, like the CIJA and B’nai Brith, who are behind the campaign against Rima Hassan.

Dr. Sophie Zhang, Médecins du Québec contre le génocide à Gaza

The Centre consultatif des relations juives et israéliennes (CIJA) and B’nai Brith had publicly opposed Hassan’s visit. The CIJA expressed its opposition through social media and an open letter in the Journal de Montréal, while B’nai Brith confirmed it had alerted border services regarding Hassan’s planned arrival.

Organizers Allege Authoritarian Drift

Marc-Édouard Joubert, co-chair of Alternatives, described the situation as an authoritarian drift and a form of intimidation. He noted the irony that the conferences were intended to discuss the rise of the far-right and fascism, yet the discussion has shifted to the framework of entry rather than the substance of the talks.

Zev Saltiel, a spokesperson for Independent Jewish Voices Montreal, called the precedent unacceptable. He argued that instrumentalizing public discourse threatens the integrity of Jewish communities.

Criticizing the policies of a government, including those of the State of Israel, is not antisemitism.

Zev Saltiel, Independent Jewish Voices Montreal

Saltiel, who identified himself as Jewish and a descendant of Holocaust survivors, emphasized the distinction between criticizing government policies and antisemitism. Hassan, an international law jurist, indicated she would honor her commitments virtually from Europe, calling the incident an opportunity to speak on the attempt at censorship.

Political Parties Condemn Decision

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from federal and provincial opposition parties. Alexandre Boulerice, a New Democratic Party (NDP) member of parliament, expressed suspicion regarding the border services’ request for an endless list of documents without clear motive. He suggested that pro-Israeli organizations are claiming victory over the exclusion.

I find it quite odious and unacceptable that a European member of parliament is gagged and censored like this. I think the liberal government unfortunately yielded to certain pressures and I find it extremely damaging that certain groups can have such a great influence on the people we can welcome or not here in Canada.

Alexandre Boulerice, NDP Member of Parliament

Ruba Ghazal, co-spokesperson for Québec Solidaire, stated she could not explain why Hassan was prevented from entering and suggested it could be censorship. She called on the government to explain the decision publicly.

Government and Agency Response

The office of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Minister Lena M. Diab confirmed on Sunday that the minister is aware of the situation but cannot comment on individual cases due to privacy protection laws. The Canada Border Services Agency and Public Safety Canada also cited confidentiality regarding the process.

A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada noted that an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Border officers verify passports and travel documents upon arrival and it is up to the traveler to demonstrate admissibility. The spokesperson stated that under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), a person cannot be refused entry solely based on personal beliefs or political opinions. However, eTAs can be cancelled for inadmissibility reasons, including failure to disclose complete and accurate information in an application.

Lobby Groups Celebrate Outcome

Both the CIJA and B’nai Brith publicly welcomed the border services’ decision. The CIJA posted on X that Hassan is banned from entering Canada, stating that the decision shows vigilance and mobilization have a real impact. B’nai Brith Canada thanked the Canada Border Services Agency for acting with speed and determination following information they provided to the agency.

Hassan announced on Monday morning that several Canadian lawyers have been mandated to shed light on the revocation of her travel authorization and the pressures exerted. Her team specified that she would not give interviews until after the scheduled conferences later in the week.