Hamilton’s mayor has reached out to local businesses, urging them to be cautious of an anti-immigration group that is promoting an upcoming conference in the vicinity. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance of venues having a clear understanding of the organization and the event’s purpose before deciding to host it. The Dominion Society of Canada, which is behind the event named DomCon 2026 scheduled for August 29, advocates for “remigration,” or the deportation of immigrants to their home countries.
Horwath expressed pride in leading a diverse city and emphasized the values of inclusion, respect, and ensuring everyone’s sense of belonging in Hamilton. Several local groups, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, 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 commit to policies that do not contribute to scapegoating immigrants and racialized communities.
HARRC also published a guide offering tips to help venues avoid inadvertently renting space to groups promoting hate. Recent instances were highlighted, where extremist groups secured space at community halls and gyms without the owners being aware of their true intentions. The Dominion Society’s website promotes the great replacement conspiracy theory and advocates for the mass deportation of various groups of people.
Barbara Perry, from the Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism at Ontario Tech University, described the Dominion Society’s arguments as inherently racist and xenophobic. 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 has denied being a hate group, stating that it advocates for Canadian heritage and identity preservation through immigration reform.
The mayor’s office did not disclose the number of businesses that received the letter, but Horwath clarified that local venues potentially able to host the advertised event were contacted. The city has decided not to rent or make its facilities available to the organization, with bylaw staff monitoring event-related materials on public property. Hamilton police are developing a plan to address any risks or criminal activities associated with DomCon 2026, acknowledging community concerns and committing to a visible presence and enforcement action where necessary. HARRC also provides a community tool for reporting hate incidents.