Hamilton’s mayor has issued correspondence to local enterprises, cautioning them about an anti-immigration organization advertising a conference in the vicinity. Andrea Horwath emphasized the significance for local establishments to be well-informed about the group and event’s purpose before deciding to host it. The Dominion Society of Canada, promoting an event named DomCon 2026 on August 29, advocates for “remigration,” involving the deportation of immigrants to their home countries. Horwath underscored the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, stating that while individuals are entitled to their opinions, the community must uphold values of inclusion, respect, and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging in Hamilton.
Several Hamilton organizations, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, jointly penned an open letter on August 4, urging businesses and institutions not to rent out space to the Dominion Society. They called on elected officials to condemn the group and requested leaders to pledge that their policies and statements do not contribute to the targeting of immigrants and racialized communities, a trend on the rise in Hamilton. HARRC also produced a guide with recommendations to help venues avoid unintentionally renting to groups propagating hate.
HARRC director Lyndon George highlighted recent incidents in which extremist groups recognized by the RCMP, such as Diagolon and Second Sons, secured venues in community halls and gyms without the owners being aware of the groups’ true intentions. The Dominion Society of Canada, identified as a nationalist group, endorses the great replacement conspiracy theory on its website, claiming that mass immigration is leading to chaos and advocating for the mass deportation of various individuals.
Barbara Perry, director of the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, characterized the Dominion Society’s arguments as inherently racist and xenophobic, attributing the country’s issues to immigrants. The Canadian Anti-Hate Network has identified the Dominion Society as part of a growing white-nationalist movement in Canada. Despite defending itself as an advocacy group focusing on immigration reform, the Dominion Society has been scrutinized for its divisive rhetoric.
Hamilton police are devising a strategy to address any potential risks, disturbances, or criminal activities associated with DomCon 2026. Acknowledging the event’s promotion may evoke fear and uncertainty, particularly among communities targeted by hateful rhetoric, the police aim to maintain a visible presence and take enforcement actions as warranted by law. They encourage individuals facing threats, harassment, or hate-motivated behavior to report such incidents. Additionally, HARRC offers a community tool for reporting hate incidents.