Hamilton mayor alerts venues to anti-immigration group's planned DomCon 2026 conference

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath mailed notices to local venues highlighting an upcoming DomCon 2026 conference organized by the Dominion Society of Canada, a group that advocates deporting immigrants. She stressed the city’s dedication to inclusion and confirmed municipal facilities will not be used for the event. On Aug. 4, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre and the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion released an open letter urging businesses and officials to refuse space to the group, citing a rise in scapegoating of immigrants.

HARRC also published a guide to help venues avoid unintentionally hosting extremist organizations, referencing past rentals by Diagolon and Second Sons. Police spokesperson Jackie Penman said officers are developing a plan to address any risks or criminal activity linked to the conference and will maintain a visible presence. Barbara Perry of Ontario Tech’s Centre on Hate, Bias and Extremism described the Dominion Society’s rhetoric as racist and xenophobic, and the Canadian Anti-Hate Network has identified the group as part of a growing white-nationalist movement.