The mayor of Hamilton has reached out to local businesses, advising them to be cautious of an anti-immigration organization promoting an upcoming conference in the area. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance of venues having a clear understanding of the organization and event purpose before deciding to host it. She highlighted the diversity of the city and expressed pride in 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, jointly penned an open letter urging businesses and institutions not to provide space for the Dominion Society’s event. They called on elected officials to denounce the group and commit 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 spaces at community halls and gyms without the owners being fully aware of their intentions. The Dominion Society, identified as part of a growing white-nationalist movement by the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, advocates for the mass deportation of various groups of people, including temporary foreign workers and permanent residents.
The organization, which promotes the great replacement conspiracy theory, has drawn criticism for its xenophobic and racist arguments. Barbara Perry from Ontario Tech University’s Centre on Hate, Bias, and Extremism labeled Dominion Society’s rhetoric as inherently racist and xenophobic. Despite Dominion Society’s claims of being an advocacy group for Canadian heritage and immigration reform, concerns persist about their messaging aligning with hate speech.
The mayor’s office did not disclose the exact number of businesses that received the warning letter. However, it was confirmed that the city will not be renting or making its facilities available to the Dominion Society. Businesses like Pring Guesthouse have publicly declared their stance against hosting such groups, reaffirming their commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Hamilton police are formulating a plan to address any potential risks or criminal activities associated with the upcoming conference. They acknowledge the community’s concerns regarding the event’s promotion and are committed to maintaining a visible presence to address any unlawful behavior. Police urge individuals facing threats or harassment to report incidents, with HARRC offering a community tool for reporting hate incidents.