Over 100 people gathered outside Hamilton city hall on Saturday to protest the presence of a self-proclaimed nationalist group that aims to deport millions from Canada, as they planned to hold a conference in the area.
The Hope Not Hate rally was organized to “stand up against racism and bigotry,” particularly in response to the Dominion Society’s event.
Ultimately, the anti-immigration group, which had previously stated their Dom Con event would take place in Hamilton on Saturday, relocated it down the highway to Burlington, Ont.
David Zayachkowski, (left) and Karen Goodfellow traveled from Toronto to participate in the Hope Not Hate rally. (Lauren Kuivenhoven/CBC)
CBC Hamilton noticed several men in suits wearing Dominion Society lanyards in the parking lot of The Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre. One of them, Max Genest, identified himself as a member of the group. The parking lot was nearly full. Around 30 masked protesters were also present, along with several members of Halton Regional Police Service.
Protesters outside The Atrium claimed they weren’t part of an organized group but chose not to speak on record for fear of retaliation from Dominion Society supporters.
They expressed their opposition by labeling the group’s beliefs as “fascist and racist.”
The venue stated it had no prior knowledge about the group’s background when it accepted their reservation.
“Atrium was not aware of the Dominion Society of Canada’s background upon booking and is not aware of any client’s social political views, nor is it a contractual requirement for any … client to disclose that information,” said Alexandre R. Figueiredo, who identified himself as owner and CEO of Atrium, in an email to .
“Atrium respects the rights of all citizens, including the right to protest.”
The Canadian Anti-Hate Network first alerted about this venue earlier on Saturday.
“Hamilton beat Dominion Society,” Evan Balgord, executive director of Canadian Anti-Hate Network, told CBC Hamilton after learning that the conference was moved to Burlington.
Balgord mentioned that efforts made by groups in Hamilton successfully raised awareness about Dominion Society and led to cancellations at various venues.
“The day’s not over yet but I’m relieved that this time, they did not successfully host their racist and anti-immigrant event in Hamilton,” Lyndon George, executive director of Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC), told CBC on Saturday. “Full credit goes to a coordinated effort to keep hate out of Hamilton.”
Dominion Society did not confirm their location directly with CBC. “Despite the best efforts of angry anti-Canadian activists and their sympathizers within Hamilton police, they were unable to cancel DOMCON26,” wrote group founder Daniel Tyrie in an email on Saturday.
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Max Genest, who identified himself as a Dominion Society member confronts a protester outside The Atrium Banquet and Conference Centre in Burlington on Saturday. (Paul Forsyth/CBC)
When CBC shared its observations with City Hall in Burlington via email; city officials stated they were previously unaware that this conference would occur there but noted that “the event is not taking place at a city-owned or operated facility.”
“Burlington is proud to be a diverse and inclusive community. We reject hatred, discrimination and intolerance in all forms. Hate has no place in Burlington; we are committed to creating a city where everyone feels welcome, valued respected and safe,” read their email statement.
“As working-class individuals we decided it was necessary to unite our voices here stating we’re all together against them bringing racist ideologies into our city,” remarked Ritch Whyman who works with labor organizing efforts within Hamilton during his conversation with CBC.![]()
Elliott Cooper (left) traveled from London just so he could attend Hope Not Hate rally.(Lauren Kuivenhoven/CBC)
Protesters rally at Hamilton City Hall against anti-immigration group
A crowd exceeding 100 showed up for Hope Not Hate rally outside City Hall protesting against Dominion Society’s conference held later.
A livestream showcased opening remarks given by co-founder Ken Jones followed by one speaker singing national anthem while standing near Canadian Red Ensign flag being hoisted by two men.
Attendees were then heard chanting “remigration now” following pre-recorded message delivered via video address from Sellner. Balgord emphasized how likely it is for Dominion Society having thousands among mostly young white males within its ranks;Balgord said during his interview with CBC Hamiton;This society defines itself promoting Canadian nationalism alongside immigration reform;” he continued, but pointed out whenever addressing supporters; they’re clear about wanting massive deportations targeting those deemed unworthy based purely off ethnicity or race regardless if they’re born Canadians themselves!Balgord added while sharing what’s outlined publicly concerning plans involving extensive removals numbering anywhere between five-to-nine million individuals including temporary foreign workers & others without citizenship ties whatsoever!Also pushing great replacement conspiracy theories implying whites face extinction due diversity throughout society!
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At least 2 venues in Hamilton canceled bookings
In anticipation for Saturday’s events; organizations like HARRC alongside Mayor Andrea Horwath from Hamilton urged venues needing awareness regarding who makes reservations before accepting bookings. The crowd at Hamilton city hall indicated that such groups weren’t welcomed there. “It’s very important for us to ensure we stand up against rising white supremacy,” stated Karen Goodfellow who traveled from Toronto showing her support.“As working-class individuals we decided it was necessary to unite our voices here stating we’re all together against them bringing racist ideologies into our city,” remarked Ritch Whyman who works with labor organizing efforts within Hamilton during his conversation with CBC.
Protesters rally at Hamilton City Hall against anti-immigration group
A crowd exceeding 100 showed up for Hope Not Hate rally outside City Hall protesting against Dominion Society’s conference held later.
A livestream showcased opening remarks given by co-founder Ken Jones followed by one speaker singing national anthem while standing near Canadian Red Ensign flag being hoisted by two men.
Attendees were then heard chanting “remigration now” following pre-recorded message delivered via video address from Sellner. Balgord emphasized how likely it is for Dominion Society having thousands among mostly young white males within its ranks;Balgord said during his interview with CBC Hamiton;This society defines itself promoting Canadian nationalism alongside immigration reform;” he continued, but pointed out whenever addressing supporters; they’re clear about wanting massive deportations targeting those deemed unworthy based purely off ethnicity or race regardless if they’re born Canadians themselves!Balgord added while sharing what’s outlined publicly concerning plans involving extensive removals numbering anywhere between five-to-nine million individuals including temporary foreign workers & others without citizenship ties whatsoever!Also pushing great replacement conspiracy theories implying whites face extinction due diversity throughout society!
‘We have every right condemn them’
An open letter signed August 4th came forth comprised various groups including HARRC amongst others urging businesses/institutions refrain renting spaces towards hosting events tied under Dominions’ banner! Elected officials need denouncing these gatherings while assuring policies won’t further alienate immigrants & racialized communities increasingly vulnerable around places like Hamitlon!Mayor Horwath sent letters reaching local establishments prompting cautiousness surrounding potential publicity stunts revolving around conferences promoting anti-immigrant rhetoric!“It’s essential understanding-while folks can voice opinions-they should remain cognizant what values resonate positively representing our community -namely inclusion/respect whereby ensuring belongingness across entire demographic spectrum matters!” she articulated clearly through communications directed towards business owners concerned.! Hamilton Centre MP Aslam Rana issued strong statements dated August eighteenth condemning proposed gatherings indicating both hostility aligned toward racial extremism masquerading behind fake nationalism movements isn’t acceptable!< !—->Escalating violence associated hate crimes make evident need urging collaboration opposed divisive tactics threatening neighborly bonds amidst Canadians everywhere!“ Concerns rose alerting potential relocations stemming Niagara Region spilled across weeks ahead prompting urgent notices dispatched requesting precautionary measures taken towards immediate actions ensuring safety preventing possible extremist influences invading nearby territories risking public tranquility.” Moreover Township West Lincoln firmly rejected offers extending invitations inviting damaging sentiments claiming refusal entertain hosting platforms harboring hateful elements conflicting ongoing initiatives aimed building safer cohesive communities! Through statements released regarding recent actions taken alongside support grassroots movements fostering unity protecting fundamental rights providing respect deserve equity fundamentally rather than allowing detrimental discourse dictate terms culture should thrive within values highlighting acceptance/reconciliation among diverse peoples living harmoniously side-by-side every day! St. Catharines Mayor Mat Siscoe addressed respective issues openly hoping facilities wouldn’t lower standards leasing properties involving entities supporting antisocial behaviors questioning legitimacy underlying motives! “They hold freedom expression too yet-we equally entitled voice condemnation letting everyone know those beliefs aren’t welcomed here-that truly represents idealistic freedom speech concept!” he concluded emphasizing importance nurturing environments filled kindness instead negativity attempting suffocate differences shared across varied backgrounds!”Source link
