Hamilton’s mayor has reached out to local businesses, urging them to stay vigilant about 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 deciding to host it. She expressed pride in leading a diverse city and highlighted the Dominion Society of Canada, the group behind the upcoming DomCon 2026 event, which advocates for “remigration,” or the deportation of immigrants to their home countries. Horwath stressed the values of inclusion, respect, and ensuring that everyone in Hamilton feels a sense of belonging.
Several Hamilton organizations, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, issued an open letter on August 4, advising businesses and institutions against renting space to the Dominion Society. They called on elected officials to condemn 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 unintentionally renting to hate-promoting groups.
In an 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 venue owners being aware of the groups’ true intentions.
The Dominion Society of Canada’s website, a nationalist group, spreads the great replacement conspiracy theory, alleging that white people are being replaced by racialized individuals. The group advocates for mass deportation, targeting various groups 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. Horwath’s letter noted that the Canadian Anti-Hate Network has identified the Dominion Society as part of a growing white-nationalist movement in Canada.
The Dominion Society defended itself, stating it is not a hate group but an advocacy group focusing on immigration reform and Canadian heritage. The group has kept the location of DomCon 2026 confidential to protect its members from potential backlash.
Horwath clarified that she is not requesting venues to act against their policies but to be fully informed about the Dominion Society’s agenda and event nature before considering any bookings associated with the organization. The exact number of businesses that received the mayor’s letter remains undisclosed.
Hamilton police are developing a plan to address any risks, disruptions, or criminal activities linked to DomCon 2026. They acknowledge the potential impact of the event’s promotion on community members and assure a visible and appropriate presence to address any enforcement needs. The police encourage individuals experiencing threats, harassment, or hate-motivated behavior to report it. Additionally, HARRC provides a community tool for reporting hate incidents.