Hamilton’s mayor has reached out to local businesses, advising them to be cautious of an anti-immigration group promoting an upcoming conference in the area. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance for venues to fully understand the organization and event’s purpose before considering hosting it. She highlighted the diversity of Hamilton and expressed pride in leading a city that values inclusion and respect. The Dominion Society of Canada, promoting an event named DomCon 2026 on August 29, advocates for “remigration,” calling for the deportation of immigrants to their home countries.
Several Hamilton groups, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, jointly signed 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 ensure their policies do not contribute to the targeting of immigrants and racialized communities.
HARRC also released a guide to assist venues in avoiding unintentionally renting to hate-promoting groups. The organization’s director, Lyndon George, referenced instances where extremist groups like Diagolon and Second Sons secured spaces at community halls and gyms without the owners being aware of their true intentions.
The Dominion Society’s website, a self-proclaimed nationalist group, endorses the great replacement conspiracy theory, claiming that mass immigration is causing chaos and advocating for the mass deportation of various individuals. Barbara Perry, from the Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, labeled the group’s arguments as inherently racist and xenophobic.
Horwath’s letter highlighted that the Canadian Anti-Hate Network has identified Dominion Society as part of a growing white-nationalist movement in Canada. The Dominion Society clarified that it is not a hate group but an advocacy group focused on immigration reform and preserving Canadian heritage.
It remains undisclosed how many businesses received the mayor’s letter. However, Horwath stated that local venues possibly hosting the advertised event were the recipients. The city confirmed it would not make its facilities available to the organization, with bylaw staff monitoring related event materials on public property.
Hamilton police are devising a plan to address any risks, disruptions, or criminal activities associated with DomCon 2026. They acknowledge the potential fear and uncertainty the event’s promotion may cause and assure a visible presence to maintain community safety. Police urge individuals experiencing threats or hate-motivated behavior to report it, while HARRC offers a tool for reporting hate incidents within the community.