Hamilton police have reported that a venue in the city, which had initially rented space to an anti-immigration organization for its upcoming national conference, has now rescinded the booking. The Dominion Society of Canada had scheduled its DomCon conference, featuring speakers from Canada and abroad, for August 29 in the “Hamilton area.” The booking at the Hamilton venue was confirmed by the group on August 13.
Details about the specific venue, including its location and the reasons behind the cancellation, were not disclosed by the authorities. Prior to the cancellation, various Hamilton organizations, such as the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC), had cautioned venues against hosting the event. HARRC even created a guide to help identify white nationalist groups to prevent future bookings.
Furthermore, Hamilton’s mayor issued a warning to local venues and businesses regarding the event. Despite the cancellation, HARRC mentioned that the Dominion Society was actively seeking an alternative venue in the Hamilton region. The group may also be making arrangements under different aliases, including Ridgeway Media.
In response to inquiries about the cancellation, a representative of the Dominion Society reaffirmed that their event, known as DOMCON26, is proceeding as planned. The co-founder and chair, Daniel Tyrie, stated that the event in the Hamilton area is already sold out. Tyrie, who founded the Dominion Society in 2025, clarified that the organization advocates for Canadian heritage and immigration reform, including the idea of “remigration” or sending immigrants back to their home countries.
Despite the group’s assertions, multiple community groups and politicians have criticized the Dominion Society, alleging that it promotes fear and hate rather than nationalism. Experts have linked the group to racist ideologies and associations with extreme white nationalist organizations. The Dominion Society, however, maintains that it comprises members from various political backgrounds.
The Dominion Society’s conference, which has been promoted for several months, has attracted attention due to its controversial speakers and agenda. The group has avoided disclosing the event’s location to protect attendees from potential opposition. Concerned organizations like HARRC have urged venues to be vigilant and verify any association with DomCon before hosting events.
Additionally, B’nai Brith Canada has raised concerns about foreign extremists attending the conference and has called on federal authorities to intervene. The organization emphasized the need to prevent the normalization of hatred and extremism in Canadian society.
When asked about security measures and operational plans regarding the event, both the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Hamilton Police Service declined to provide specific details. CBSA clarified that entry denial is based on security grounds rather than personal beliefs, while the police service maintained its commitment to collaborating with partners without disclosing operational plans.