Radical Islam conference could come to Hamilton after Mississauga rejects it

A conference organized by a controversial Islamic fundamentalist group may be coming to Hamilton.

In an email statement to CHCH News, police say they are aware of the potential relocation of the Khilafah Conference from Mississauga to Hamilton.

“We are actively working with our intelligence partners and the City of Hamilton to address this development and are closely monitoring social media for updates…We want to reaffirm that hate has no place in our community,” officers say.

A video on Instagram shows Hizb ut-Tahrir Canada will be hosting the event on Jan. 18 in Hamilton after Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said the group isn’t welcome there.

However, a website for the conference still lists the location as Mississauga and says tickets are almost sold out.

Hizb ut-Tahrir Canada is considered a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, but not in Canada.

In a media statement, the organization rejects calls that it is a terrorist or extremist group, but says “its sole objective is the resumption of the Islamic way of life through the re-establishment of a Khilafah (Caliphate) in the Muslim world.”

#HamOnt STATEMENT FROM MAYOR HORWATH – January 6, 2025

It has come to my attention that there is a planned event in Hamilton, which has raised significant concerns for me and our community.

Since learning of this event, I have been in direct communication with Hamilton Police… pic.twitter.com/BLRDBkh7rl

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) January 6, 2025

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath took to social media to condemn the event.

“The City of Hamilton enforces strict conditions for all groups or organizations seeking to rent City facilities. We unequivocally refuse access to any group that engages in or promotes hatred or any form of divisive behavior,” she wrote.

“If such actions are reported or reasonably suspected, permits will be denied or immediately revoked, and appropriate measures will be taken to address the situation.”

Jewish groups also say it is an Anti-Semitic organization and event.

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