OTTAWA — Pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government from both the Conservative and New Democratic parties regarding the recent announcement that an Irish hip-hop group, Kneecap, has been banned from entering Canada. This announcement was made by Vince Gasparro, Carney's parliamentary secretary for combating crime, who claimed the group was deemed ineligible due to allegations of promoting "political violence."

The controversy began two weeks ago when Gasparro posted a video on X, stating that Kneecap had engaged in actions and made statements contrary to Canadian values and laws. Gasparro, a newly elected Liberal MP from Toronto, previously served on the board of Postmedia but resigned before the election.

Since the announcement, confusion has arisen. The band's manager has stated to various media outlets that they have not received any official notification from the Canadian government regarding the ban. Additionally, Kneecap has publicly declared Gasparro's comments as "wholly untrue and deeply malicious" on social media. Although the band's management has not responded to inquiries from the National Post, their upcoming performances in Toronto have been canceled.

Both the Conservatives and New Democrats are demanding clarity from the Carney administration, particularly from Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab. Diab and her department have refrained from commenting, citing privacy concerns. Melissa Lantsman, deputy leader of the Opposition Conservatives, expressed frustration, stating, "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 situation is further complicated by the Liberal government's handling of rising antisemitism in Canada, which has been reported since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Jewish advocacy groups have criticized the government for not adequately addressing the increase in hate crimes 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 certain hate symbols, including flags associated with terrorist organizations. When approached by reporters this week, Gasparro declined to elaborate, suggesting that questions should be directed to the government. He previously indicated that his actions were based on available information.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs had raised concerns about Kneecap's performances for weeks, launching an "action alert" in July. They had contacted the Canadian government for clarification on the band's entry status, citing incidents such as a member allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance in London. Hezbollah is recognized as a terrorist organization in both Canada and the United Kingdom. A related terrorism charge in the U.K. was recently dismissed by a judge due to a missed filing deadline.

NDP MP Jenny Kwan has also reached out to Metlege Diab for answers, questioning the timing of Gasparro's announcement, especially since it occurred before the resolution of a court case involving one of the band members. Kwan's inquiry highlights the ongoing concerns surrounding the government's decision-making process in this matter.