Community leaders are speaking out after the Canadian chapter of an Islamic fundamentalist group reportedly relocated an upcoming conference to Hamilton.
A social media post suggests the annual Khilafah conference, organized by Hizb ut Tahrir Canada, has been moved to the city from Mississauga, where it was set to take place at an undisclosed location at noon on Jan. 18.
Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath said in a statement Monday, the planned event has “raised significant concerns” in the community and police are monitoring the situation to ensure public safety. “I have consistently spoken out against hate in all its forms and will continue to do so unequivocally,” she said. “There is absolutely no place in our city for individuals or groups spreading messages of division or intolerance.”
Hamilton also has “strict conditions” for municipal rentals and includes a policy to “refuse access to any group that engages in or promotes hatred or any form of divisive behaviour,” Horwath added.
A screenshot of a promotional video posted to Hizb ut Tahrir Canada’s Instagram page (ht.canada) on Jan. 4.
ht.canada Instagram screenshotAccording to a report in the National Post, Hizb ut Tahrir is “seen as starkly antisemitic, hawkish on eradicating Israel, rejecting international co-operation and intervention and approving of elements of Islamic militant jihadi action.”
The organization, which is based in Beirut, Lebanon, was designated a terrorist organization by the U.K. government in January 2024.
Hizb ut Tahrir Canada didn’t respond to The Spectator’s request for comment. But, in a statement Monday evening, the organization denounced recent “false accusations.” It described itself as “an ideological and political party” and its “sole objective” is to reconstruct the caliphate, a form of Islamic government with a head of state rooted in religion.
“Hizb ut Tahrir categorically rejects the use of violence or material means in its methodology,” the Instagram post reads.
The organization also said accusations of links to terrorism “are fabrications aimed at tarnishing its reputation and distracting from its call to establish Islam as a comprehensive system of governance and mercy for humanity.”
A screenshot of a promotional video posted to Hizb ut Tahrir Canada’s Instagram page (ht.canada) on Jan. 4.
ht.canada Instagram screenshotHamilton police said they’re aware of the conference’s “potential relocation” and “are actively working with” intelligence partners and the city to address it, as well as monitoring social media, spokesperson Jackie Penman said in an email. “Hate has no place in our community,” she wrote. “We remain committed to ensuring that Hamilton is a safe and welcoming city for everyone.”
The Spectator asked when and where the event was expected to take place, but both the mayor’s office and police said they have no further information to share.
The Hamilton Jewish Federation “urged” the mayor to take action after seeing social media posts about the location change, it said in a statement on Monday. “It is critical that Hamilton upholds its commitment to safety, inclusivity and standing firmly against hate and extremism,” the statement reads.
The Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre said in a statement, it shares the mayor’s concerns and noted it stands “against any actions or rhetoric that promotes hatred, division and intolerance.
“We support the proactive steps being taken,” the post reads.
Meanwhile, Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said on X that city is relieved the group is “moving on.”
