Seven weeks after Lisa Robinson was sanctioned for code of conduct violations for the sixth time, the controversial Pickering Councillor has now faced consequences for a seventh occasion, having been docked 60 days’ pay due to her involvement in a podcast that was publicly posted on You Tube over a year ago. In this podcast, the host “exhorted the public to commit acts of violence” against council members.
Jeff Abrahams and Janice Atwood-Petkovski from Principles Integrity, the city’s Integrity Commissioner, released their findings regarding Robinson’s actions during the July 30, 2024 podcast hosted by fugitive Kevin Johnston. In it, Johnston referred to Mayor Kevin Ashe and his councillors as “pedophiles, Nazis and fascists,” suggesting that “70s biker gangs” be brought in to “remove these guys by force,” while Robinson appeared to smile and nod in agreement.
The report from Principles Integrity stated that “disparaging, defamatory, profane and homophobic statements were repeatedly made,” and that the podcast host had “exhorted the public to commit acts of violence” against specific council members. This prompted complaints from all councillors except Robinson.
The severity of these complaints led the city to involve Durham Regional Police, who subsequently referred the matter to the OPP for further investigation.
On June 26, the city learned that police had concluded their investigation without any criminal charges being filed. This set up for Principles Integrity’s report being included in Monday’s council meeting agenda.
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In their report, Abrahams and Atwood-Petkovski determined that the complaint was “substantiated” and concluded that Robinson’s actions violated the Code of Conduct by “disparaging, disrespecting and harassing” other Council members.
“We find that this complaint is not just a ‘one-off’ but rather part of a pattern where she disparages, disrespects and harasses Pickering’s governance. In this instance, her fellow councillors are targeted both individually and collectively; at other times it’s staff she goes after. She consistently uses social media to broadcast her malicious attacks.”
“We recommend a 60-day suspension of pay.”
The motion passed unanimously, resulting in Robinson losing a total salary equivalent to 17 months during less than three years in office.
Robinson’s first term has been chaotic with several controversies including expressing support for German far-right politician Christine Anderson; posting increasingly erratic messages on social media including a cryptic poem referencing Guy Fawkes-a historical figure known for trying to blow up British Parliament-which she claimed serves as a reminder about “the value of violence against corruption.” Additionally, she allowed far-right groups to organize (and provide security) at her Town Hall meeting last November; she also had her invitation revoked for attending Remembrance Day Veterans Dinner hosted by the local Legion during that same month.
Her supporters have frequently left various threats along with text messages, voicemails, and emails aimed at council members and staff for review. They’ve distributed flyers throughout town filled with conspiracy theories while also disrupting council meetings out of frustration over what they perceive as unfair treatment towards Robinson.
A recent provincial law aiming to hold municipal councillors accountable for violating codes of conduct is being welcomed across Ontario communities-and Pickering stands out as one of those advocating strongly for tougher penalties against wayward councillors.
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In their report, Abrahams and Atwood-Petkovski determined that the complaint was “substantiated” and concluded that Robinson’s actions violated the Code of Conduct by “disparaging, disrespecting and harassing” other Council members.
“We find that this complaint is not just a ‘one-off’ but rather part of a pattern where she disparages, disrespects and harasses Pickering’s governance. In this instance, her fellow councillors are targeted both individually and collectively; at other times it’s staff she goes after. She consistently uses social media to broadcast her malicious attacks.”
“We recommend a 60-day suspension of pay.”
The motion passed unanimously, resulting in Robinson losing a total salary equivalent to 17 months during less than three years in office.
Robinson’s first term has been chaotic with several controversies including expressing support for German far-right politician Christine Anderson; posting increasingly erratic messages on social media including a cryptic poem referencing Guy Fawkes-a historical figure known for trying to blow up British Parliament-which she claimed serves as a reminder about “the value of violence against corruption.” Additionally, she allowed far-right groups to organize (and provide security) at her Town Hall meeting last November; she also had her invitation revoked for attending Remembrance Day Veterans Dinner hosted by the local Legion during that same month.
Her supporters have frequently left various threats along with text messages, voicemails, and emails aimed at council members and staff for review. They’ve distributed flyers throughout town filled with conspiracy theories while also disrupting council meetings out of frustration over what they perceive as unfair treatment towards Robinson.
A recent provincial law aiming to hold municipal councillors accountable for violating codes of conduct is being welcomed across Ontario communities-and Pickering stands out as one of those advocating strongly for tougher penalties against wayward councillors.
INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies
Last 30 Days: 67,851 Votes
All Time: 1,228,252 Votes
2312 VOTES
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