The City of Pickering, Ont., is taking steps against a current councillor after an independent investigation confirmed that harassment claims made against her were valid.
In 2025, city staff lodged a complaint against Coun. Lisa Robinson under the Respect in the Workplace Policy, alleging bullying, intimidation and harassment starting in 2024.
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe informed that human resources initially dealt with the complaints before an investigation was conducted by Turnpenney Milne LLP. The results were shared privately at a special council meeting on Monday.
After the meeting, Ashe released a statement on social media indicating that the process included “a comprehensive review of evidence, including emails, letters, meeting recordings, social media posts, videos recorded and shared by the councillor, integrity commissioner’s reports, and witness evidence.”
He mentioned that they also looked at the “broader pattern, repetition, tone, platform, and foreseeable impact of the councillor’s public communication in the workplace.”
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“After several months of review and analysis, the independent investigator concluded that the allegations were substantiated,” Ashe stated on social media. “The cumulative effect of Councillor Robinson’s statements and actions directed at staff constituted workplace harassment and created a poisoned work environment.”
The findings were then sent to an independent municipal law firm for recommendations on corrective actions.
Ashe told that Robinson will now face three specific consequences.
He said administrative restrictions have been enforced for some time now; these include limiting her contact with staff to email only, restricted access within City Hall confined to her office alone, and prohibiting her from using her office for social media or public meetings.
![Click to play video: 'Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson filing for judicial review']()
1:32 Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson filing for judicial review
The city will also be updating its indemnification clause so staff members and council members can seek legal advice if harassment persists.
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“I had hoped that sanctions from the integrity commissioner would help correct this behavior,” Ashe remarked. “Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.”
Robinson has faced multiple controversies since she was elected in 2022. She has been accused of homophobia and racism dating back to 2024. Additionally, she has undergone several investigations by the integrity commissioner related to cyberbullying and intimidation which resulted in pay suspensions ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Ashe told that Robinson’s ongoing actions have had a detrimental effect on workplace morale.
“We’ve lost some good people. We’ve had to physically alter our council chamber. We had to shift online meetings. Now we have police present during our council sessions when they resume,” he stated. “It’s creating a ripple effect regarding negativity affecting our staff.”
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Ashe mentioned to that Robinson had “at least eight” chances to present her side during HR’s review as well as during the external investigation but chose not to each time.
– with files from The Canadian Press© 2026 division Corus Entertainment Inc.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. “The second consequence was a recommendation to prevent her from attending council meetings in person when we return in September,” Ashe explained. He noted that Robinson will only be allowed to attend virtually.
1:32 Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson filing for judicial review
The city will also be updating its indemnification clause so staff members and council members can seek legal advice if harassment persists.
Story continues below
“I had hoped that sanctions from the integrity commissioner would help correct this behavior,” Ashe remarked. “Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.”
Robinson has faced multiple controversies since she was elected in 2022. She has been accused of homophobia and racism dating back to 2024. Additionally, she has undergone several investigations by the integrity commissioner related to cyberbullying and intimidation which resulted in pay suspensions ranging from 30 to 90 days.
Ashe told that Robinson’s ongoing actions have had a detrimental effect on workplace morale.
“We’ve lost some good people. We’ve had to physically alter our council chamber. We had to shift online meetings. Now we have police present during our council sessions when they resume,” he stated. “It’s creating a ripple effect regarding negativity affecting our staff.”
More on Canada More videos
Ashe mentioned to that Robinson had “at least eight” chances to present her side during HR’s review as well as during the external investigation but chose not to each time.
Following Monday’s meeting Robinson expressed her disagreement with council’s decision regarding penalties through social media claiming it was an “unfair process.”If you want me out there defending myself you should just let me talk!
She added,No one- not me nor anyone else- has ever seen any evidence or report regarding this investigation!
Finally,Please understand my intention wasn’t malicious! As this unfolds President Ashe clarified his perspective stating he believes Robinson’s remarks are baseless while emphasizing fairness concerning their response.I don’t believe what Coun. Robinson says is accurate; it seems hurtful instead! I hope she realizes where she went wrong soon enough,”said President Ashe.Finally,Robinson revealed through video back on May 31st she intends running against President Ashe come municipal elections!Should Bill Nine regulations occur before October then such campaigning could halt progress due legislative implications.Municipal officials have pressed provincial government since year twenty-four advocating for legislation establishing universal codes conducting applying potential penalties including removal disqualifying officers found seriously violating them.Consequently many officials anticipate positive changes fostering safer working environments moving forward despite possible delays following upcoming elections.I’ve never threatened City staff or encouraged violence! What I did was criticize government decisions which is democratic accountability!
– with files from The Canadian Press
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