More than 100 individuals gathered in front of Hamilton City Hall on Saturday to protest against a self-proclaimed nationalist organization aiming to deport millions of individuals from Canada that had planned a day-long conference in the city. The Hope Not Hate rally aimed to oppose racism and bigotry in response to the Dominion Society’s scheduled event.
However, the anti-immigration group relocated its DomCon gathering to Burlington, Ontario, after initially planning it for Hamilton. Members of the Dominion Society were spotted outside The Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre in Burlington during the event, with around 30 masked protesters and Halton Regional Police Service present.
Protesters at the Atrium center declined to be identified, expressing concern about potential repercussions from Dominion Society supporters. They voiced their opposition to what they perceived as fascist and racist ideologies. The venue management stated they were unaware of the group’s background when accepting the reservation and emphasized respect for all citizens’ rights, including the right to protest.
Efforts by various groups in Hamilton to raise awareness about the Dominion Society and persuade venues to cancel bookings proved successful, leading to the relocation of the conference to Burlington. The Canadian Anti-Hate Network commended the collaborative efforts that prevented the group from hosting its event in Hamilton.
The Dominion Society did not confirm the new location directly to the media but expressed determination to proceed with their activities despite opposition. The City of Burlington, upon learning about the conference, emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, condemning hate and discrimination in all forms.
Leading up to the event, multiple Hamilton organizations, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre and Mayor Andrea Horwath, urged venues to be cautious about hosting contentious groups. At the Hamilton City Hall gathering, attendees emphasized the importance of standing up against white supremacy and discriminatory ideologies.
The Dominion Society’s controversial event featured Canadian and international speakers, including far-right figures. The group’s website promotes nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments, advocating for the mass deportation of millions of individuals. However, critics argue that the group’s rhetoric promotes division and discrimination.
Local leaders and organizations in Hamilton actively condemned the Dominion Society’s conference, emphasizing values of inclusivity and respect. They called for a united front against hate and divisive ideologies, underlining the community’s commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.