Hamilton’s mayor has reached out to local businesses, urging them to exercise caution regarding an anti-immigration group advertising an upcoming conference in the area. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance of venues being fully informed about the organization and event purpose before deciding to host them. The Dominion Society of Canada, which is promoting an event called DomCon 2026 on August 29, advocates for “remigration,” the deportation of immigrants to their home countries. Horwath highlighted the diversity of the city and stressed the values of inclusion, respect, and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging in Hamilton.
Several Hamilton groups, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, penned an open letter on August 4, urging businesses and institutions not to rent space to the Dominion Society. They called on elected officials to denounce the group and requested a commitment to policies that do not contribute to the scapegoating of immigrants and racialized communities. HARRC also released a guide to assist venues in avoiding inadvertently renting to hate-promoting groups.
In a recent interview with CBC Hamilton, HARRC director Lyndon George referenced instances where extremist groups, such as Diagolon and Second Sons, secured space at community halls and gyms without the owners being aware of their true intentions. The Dominion Society’s website propagates the great replacement conspiracy theory, claiming that white people are being replaced by racialized individuals. The group advocates for mass deportations, including temporary foreign workers, permanent residents, and even individuals born in Canada to non-Canadian citizens.
Barbara Perry, the director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, criticized the Dominion Society’s arguments as inherently racist and xenophobic, attributing Canada’s issues to immigrants. Horwath’s letter referenced the Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s identification of the Dominion Society as part of a growing white-nationalist movement in Canada.
The Dominion Society denied being a hate group, describing itself as an advocacy group focused on immigration reform and preserving Canadian heritage. The group chose to keep the location of DomCon confidential to prevent targeting by dissenting individuals. Horwath clarified that she is not requesting venues to act against their policies but emphasized the importance of understanding the organization’s mandate and event nature before considering any bookings affiliated with the Dominion Society.
The exact number of businesses that received the mayor’s letter remains undisclosed. Horwath’s office stated that letters were sent to local venues that might be in a position to host the advertised event. The city will not rent or make city facilities available to the organization, with bylaw staff monitoring related event materials on public property.
Pring Guesthouse, a downtown hostel, confirmed receiving the mayor’s warning and expressed gratitude for the city’s proactive approach. The business, which is immigrant- and queer-owned, declared that the Dominion Society would never be welcome at its premises, emphasizing beliefs in diversity and inclusion. Hamilton police are formulating a plan to address any risks, disruptions, or criminal activity associated with DomCon 2026. They acknowledge the potential impact of the event on community members and assure a visible presence to address concerns and enforce laws where necessary.
In conclusion, community members are encouraged to report any threats, harassment, or hate-motivated behavior to the police. HARRC provides a community-run tool for reporting hate incidents, emphasizing the importance of a united effort against hate and extremism.