TORONTO - Supporters of British politician George Galloway planned to urge Federal Court Monday to undo Canada's entry ban on the outspoken MP.
An alliance of peace groups, backed by free-speech advocates, maintain the ban, on the basis that Galloway supported terrorism, was uncalled for and unconstitutional.
"All of the evidence shows there was no reason whatever to bar George from the country," Galloway's spokesman, Ron McKay, told The Canadian Press from the U.K. on the weekend.
"I just don't think any reasonable person looking at the evidence could conclude against George."
Galloway was to make a four-city speaking tour in March 2009 but Canadian immigration officials declared him inadmissible. The case sparked an uproar about freedom of speech and the politics of the decision.
It also raised questions about Immigration Minister Jason Kenney's involvement in the decision that came over the objections of Canada's high commissioner to London.
"It is perverse and, we believe, constitutes an abuse of power," Galloway's lawyer, Barbara Jackman, said in response to the ban, word of which was leaked to a British newspaper even before the MP was told.
A flurry of internal government emails in the run-up to the ban shows the high commissioner, Jim Wright, worried Canada would be giving the "rebel" MP a "greater platform" for his views.
"It may look odd for Canada to deny him entry after he has been granted entry to the U.S.," Wright wrote.
"My suspicion is that the Brits will be somewhat taken aback by such a Canadian decision."
The documents show Kenney's office was clear in its opposition to the visit, with his spokesman, Alykhan Velshi, writing the minister would not overturn the ban given "the kind of things George Galloway advocates."
At the time, Kenney did say publicly: "I believe folks that are supporting and promoting and helping terrorist organizations are not needed to visit Canada."
According to the emails, Velshi fretted that Galloway might be waved in to Canada from the U.S. by an unsuspecting border officer.
Galloway, who denied supporting terrorism, has already called the decision by Federal Court to review the ban a "substantial" victory.
He argued he could only show his support for people in Gaza by dealing with its elected Hamas government, which Canada considers a terrorist organization.
McKay said the politician would certainly visit Canada if the ban is overturned.
"As soon as possible after that, assuming it goes our way, a tour will be arranged," McKay said.
Supporters, including the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War and other peace groups, failed last year to win an emergency injunction to allow Galloway into Canada but the court said the case was worthy of a full hearing.
Galloway did address Canadian audiences on his opposition to the war in Afghanistan and his humanitarian support for people in Gaza via a video link.
He also launched a libel suit against Kenney which he later dropped.
