Hamilton’s mayor has reached out to local businesses, cautioning them about an anti-immigration group promoting an upcoming conference in the region. Andrea Horwath emphasized the importance for venues to have a clear understanding of the organization and event’s purpose before deciding to host it. She expressed pride in leading a diverse city and highlighted concerns about the Dominion Society of Canada, which is advocating for “remigration,” the process of deporting immigrants to their countries of origin.

In response to the situation, various Hamilton groups, including the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, penned an open letter on August 4, urging businesses and institutions to refrain from renting space to the Dominion Society. They called upon elected officials to denounce the group and commit to policies that do not contribute to the marginalization of immigrants and racialized communities in Hamilton.

HARRC also released a guide with recommendations to help venues avoid unknowingly renting space to groups promoting hate. Recent incidents involving extremist groups securing venues without the owners’ full awareness were highlighted, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in such matters.

The Dominion Society of Canada, described as a nationalist group, endorses the “great replacement” conspiracy theory on their website, asserting that mass immigration is leading to chaos in Canada. Their agenda includes advocating for the mass deportation of various groups, sparking criticism from experts like Barbara Perry from Ontario Tech University, who denounced their arguments as inherently racist and xenophobic.

Mayor Horwath’s letter referenced the Canadian Anti-Hate Network’s identification of the Dominion Society as part of a rising white-nationalist movement in Canada. The group has defended itself as an advocacy organization focusing on Canadian heritage and identity through immigration reform.

While the exact number of businesses receiving the mayor’s letter remains undisclosed, Horwath clarified that she targeted local venues potentially considering hosting the advertised event. She emphasized that the city will not facilitate the organization’s activities and is closely monitoring related materials on public property.

Local establishments, like Pring Guesthouse, have expressed gratitude for the mayor’s notification and affirmed their commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Businesses have been urged to be vigilant, and Hamilton police are developing a plan to address any risks or criminal activities associated with the upcoming conference. Community support tools are available for reporting hate incidents, with authorities encouraging individuals to report threats, harassment, or hate-motivated behaviors.