Over 100 individuals gathered outside Hamilton city hall on Saturday to protest against a self-proclaimed nationalist group that aimed to deport millions of people from Canada and had planned a day-long conference in the city. The Hope Not Hate rally was organized as a response to the Dominion Society’s event.
Despite the initial announcement that the DomCon event would occur in Hamilton, the anti-immigration group relocated the conference to Burlington, Ontario, away from the original venue.
CBC Hamilton witnessed several individuals wearing Dominion Society lanyards at The Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre in Burlington. Max Genest, a member of the group, was identified among them. Additionally, masked protesters and Halton Regional Police Service members were present at the venue.
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network informed CBC News about the conference venue prior to the event.
Evan Balgord, the executive director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, expressed satisfaction that the conference was relocated out of Hamilton due to efforts to raise awareness and cancel bookings associated with the Dominion Society.
Lyndon George, executive director of the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC), credited the coordinated efforts that prevented the racist and anti-immigrant event from taking place in Hamilton.
The Dominion Society did not confirm the event’s location directly to CBC but mentioned that the conference proceeded despite opposition from anti-Canadian activists and Hamilton police.
Upon sharing their observations with the City of Burlington, officials stated that the event was not hosted at a city-owned facility and emphasized the city’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and rejection of hatred and discrimination.
CBC Hamilton attempted to contact The Atrium for a statement but did not receive a response before publication.
At least 2 Hamilton venues cancelled bookings
Prior to the event, organizations like HARRC, Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwarth, and some Niagara municipalities urged venues to be cautious when accepting bookings. Attendees at the rally in front of Hamilton city hall reiterated that the Dominion Society was unwelcome.
Karen Goodfellow, who traveled from Toronto to show her support, emphasized the importance of speaking out against racism and white supremacy. Hamilton labor organizer Ritch Whyman highlighted the city’s unity against racist ideologies.
Vivyan Salih, from the Immigrants Working Centre, echoed sentiments of Hamilton being a welcoming community.
Prior to the event, Hamilton police and community groups successfully convinced two venues in Hamilton to cancel hosting the Dominion Society conference.
Police supported calls to reconsider hosting the event
Law enforcement officers advocated for venues to evaluate the impact of hosting the event due to its divisive nature. The
