Canadian PM’s Office and Border Services Deny Involvement in KNEECAP Ban Announcement

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Canadian PM’s Office and Border Services Deny Involvement in KNEECAP Ban Announcement

The recent controversy surrounding the Canadian rap trio KNEECAP has prompted significant political developments. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) have officially denied involvement in the announcement banning KNEECAP from Canada.

Announcement and Reaction

On September 19, Liberal Party MP Vince Gasparro made a public statement via social media, claiming that KNEECAP would be prohibited from entering Canada. He stated the group had “engaged in actions and made statements that are contrary to Canadian values and laws.” This announcement sent shockwaves through the music community and beyond.

In response, KNEECAP released a statement vehemently denying Gasparro’s accusations. They described the claims as “wholly untrue and deeply malicious.” The band highlighted that none of its members has been convicted of any crime anywhere. Furthermore, they announced intentions to pursue legal action against Gasparro, pledging to donate any winnings to assist child amputees in Gaza.

Official Inquiries

Political response escalated when New Democratic Party MP Jenny Kwan submitted an official query to the House of Commons regarding Gasparro’s authority to issue such an announcement. On November 24, the PMO and CBSA clarified through a formal response that neither entity was involved in Gasparro’s decision. CBSA stated they “did not provide advice” and “were not consulted” regarding the ban.

Kwan’s inquiry also sought to clarify whether KNEECAP had ever been denied entry to Canada. The response from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) indicated that member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh had his travel authorization revoked in August due to incomplete information in his application. However, he remains eligible to reapply.

Status of KNEECAP Members

For the remaining band members, J.J. Ó Dochartaigh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, their applications are “currently under review,” and they have been advised not to travel to Canada until further notice from the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.

Call for Clarity

In a critical response to the situation, Kwan expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in the announcement process. She questioned why an MP was responsible for initiating an entry ban rather than the appropriate agencies such as the CBSA or IRCC. Kwan emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government actions.

At the time of publication, neither KNEECAP nor MP Gasparro had publicly responded to the latest developments.

Background Information

The debate over KNEECAP’s ban is rooted in previous calls for action against the group. In July, MP Anthony Housefather and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) advocated for a ban, citing past terrorism charges against Ó hAnnaidh. However, the band argued that the charges were politically motivated and highlighted a technical error that led to the dismissal of the case against Ó hAnnaidh in September.