Canadian Government Agencies Deny Involvement in Kneecap Entry Ban Announcement

The Canadian government is facing scrutiny over conflicting statements regarding an apparent entry ban on Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, with key agencies denying involvement in a parliamentary secretary's public announcement. Official documents tabled in the House of Commons reveal that both the Prime Minister's Office and the Canada Border Services Agency state they were not consulted about Liberal MP Vince Gasparro's September declaration that the group was deemed ineligible to enter Canada.

The Controversial Announcement

On September 19, 2025, Liberal MP Vince Gasparro, serving as parliamentary secretary for combatting crime, posted a video on X announcing that Kneecap was allegedly "advocating for political violence" and "glorifying terrorist organizations." Gasparro stated he was making the announcement "on behalf of the Government of Canada" and claimed the decision was made "on the advice of our officials." The video remains publicly accessible, despite subsequent revelations about the lack of consultation with relevant agencies.

Government Agency Responses

In response to an order paper question from NDP MP Jenny Kwan, federal officials provided written statements clarifying their lack of involvement. The Canada Border Services Agency explicitly stated: "The Canada Border Services Agency was not consulted regarding the announcement." This response was provided on behalf of Public Safety Canada, the department responsible for border security matters.

Similarly, the Prime Minister's Office responded that it was "not involved in the decision for the member of Eglinton—Lawrence to make the announcement," referring to Gasparro's riding. These statements directly contradict Gasparro's claim that he acted on official advice when announcing the apparent entry ban.

Immigration Status Details

According to documents from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the situation appears more complex than Gasparro's announcement suggested. One Kneecap member, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, had his electronic travel authorization cancelled in August 2025—one month before Gasparro's announcement—for "omitting to disclose complete and accurate information on his application." However, IRCC clarified that this cancellation "does not preclude him from applying again" and that he "remains eligible to submit a new application, which will be assessed on its own merits."

The applications for the other two band members, John James Ó Dochartaigh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, remain under review, with IRCC informing them in September "not to travel to Canada until receiving further communication." The department's response suggests no indefinite entry ban exists, stating that "inadmissibility for non-compliance generally ends once a client is no longer in a state of non-compliance."

Political Reactions and Unanswered Questions

NDP MP Jenny Kwan told Global News that "there are still a lot of unanswered questions" following the government's response. "He (Gasparro) said he received information from officials. So who are these officials? Who authorized him to make this announcement? That is still unclear," Kwan stated. She has characterized the process as neither "clear and transparent" nor "accountable."

Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman has been more direct in her criticism, telling Global News that Gasparro "either doesn't know what's happening within his own government or clearly lied." Lantsman suggested that "in any other workplace you would be reprimanded for that" and stated she would support a parliamentary investigation into the matter.

Legal and Political Context

The controversy occurs against the backdrop of Kneecap's political activism, particularly their vocal support for the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Gasparro specifically cited a since-dropped criminal charge against Óg Ó hAnnaidh in the U.K. that accused him of flying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert, though the band maintains they do not promote Hamas, Hezbollah, or advocate violence against Jewish people.

Kwan has requested a study of the matter at the House of Commons immigration committee and has written to Immigration Minister Lena Diab asking whether there will be accountability if Gasparro acted unilaterally. However, she reports receiving no response to her letter and notes that the committee has not addressed her request, limiting her ability to pursue the matter further as a non-member.

The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Canadian immigration policy and the proper channels for announcing entry decisions, raising fundamental questions about government accountability and transparency in border security matters.