More than 100 individuals gathered outside Hamilton city hall on Saturday to protest against a self-proclaimed nationalist group’s plan to hold a day-long conference in the city aiming to deport millions of people from Canada. The Hope Not Hate rally aimed to combat racism and bigotry in response to the Dominion Society’s event organization.
Despite the initial announcement by the anti-immigration group to host their DomCon event in Hamilton, the conference was relocated to Burlington, Ontario. Members of the Dominion Society were seen at The Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre in Burlington wearing lanyards, as around 30 masked protesters and Halton Regional Police Service members were also present.
Protesters outside The Atrium center expressed concerns about fascist and racist ideologies, with fears of reprisal from Dominion Society supporters. The venue management stated they were unaware of the group’s background when they accepted the reservation, emphasizing respect for all citizens’ rights to protest.
Efforts by various Hamilton groups to raise awareness about the Dominion Society and secure cancellations of venue bookings were successful, preventing the group from hosting their event in the city. The Canadian Anti-Hate Network commended the collaborative efforts to keep hate out of Hamilton.
The Dominion Society did not disclose the event location directly to the media, citing opposition from anti-Canadian activists and Hamilton police. The City of Burlington expressed its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, emphasizing the rejection of hatred and discrimination within the community.
Leading up to the event, Hamilton organizations, including HARRC and Mayor Andrea Horwath, urged venues to be cautious about accepting bookings from extremist groups. Attendees at the Hamilton city hall gathering reiterated the city’s stance against the Dominion Society, emphasizing unity and opposition to racist ideologies.
The Dominion Society’s website promotes Canadian nationalism and immigration reform but advocates for mass deportation, as well as endorsing conspiracy theories like the great replacement. Public figures and organizations have condemned the group’s extremist views and called for community unity against hate and division.
Hamilton groups and elected officials have taken a firm stance against the Dominion Society, urging businesses not to support or host their events. The community’s commitment to inclusivity and tolerance has been highlighted, emphasizing the importance of standing up against divisive ideologies and promoting a sense of belonging for all residents.