Yet another flare-up has erupted in Pickering after council decided to limit Councillor Lisa Robinson’s participation in official council meetings to virtual attendance for the remainder of the term.
“I strongly disagree with council’s decision and the unfair process that produced it,” said Councillor Robinson in response (see full text below).
Pickering Council has also given direction to staff to update the city’s indemnification by-law to address adverse conduct toward city employees, and endorsed the administrative restrictions previously put in place to reduce staff exposure to situations that could contravene the act, according to a city statement.
Harassment Complaint
In 2025, city staff filed a harassment complaint against Robinson under the city’s Respect in the Workplace Policy, citing an ongoing campaign of bullying, intimidation, and persistent harassing conduct directed at staff that began in 2024.
The city retained an external legal firm, Turnpenney Milne LLP, to investigate. The process involved a review of evidence, including emails, letters, meeting recordings, published social media posts, videos recorded and shared by the councillor, integrity commissioner’s reports, and witness evidence, said a city statement.
It said investigators also assessed the broader pattern, repetition, tone, platform, and foreseeable impact of the councillor’s public communications in the workplace context, including their effect on psychological safety and the risk of reputational harm directed at staff.
Councillor’s Non-participation
“Councillor Robinson chose not to participate in the process, despite repeated attempts to engage her,” the statement pointed out.
Following several months of review and analysis, the independent investigator concluded that the allegations were substantiated, finding that the cumulative effect of Councillor Robinson’s statements and actions directed at staff constituted workplace harassment and created a poisoned work environment, the city said.
The findings were then referred to an independent municipal law firm to recommend corrective actions to better protect staff while upholding the city’s obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a harassment-free workplace.
“Council takes its legislative obligation to provide a healthy and safe workplace seriously. We fully support our staff and their right to a workplace free from harassment and reprisal. We have the utmost respect and confidence in our employees, who continue to deliver for the community all year round, delivering award-winning events, providing exemplary fire protection services, maintaining our roads and parks, and diligently providing the meaningful programs, services, and facilities that touch the everyday lives of residents,” the city stated.
Councillor Robinson’s Side
“I strongly disagree with council’s decision and the unfair process that produced it,” said Robinson.
She pointed out that months before any complaint was even filed, she had sent formal cease-and-desist letters to HR and the integrity commissioner regarding unacceptable conduct directed at me. “Instead of addressing those concerns, the city launched a one-sided investigation. When I was denied the right to representation, I chose not to participate.”
Never Threatened City Staff
Robinson said no one, not me, not council, not the public, has ever seen the evidence or the investigation report. “Today [June 8th], in our in-camera meeting, I was not permitted to question the process, challenge the allegations, or defend myself in any way. The decision was based on material that was not my own words or actions.”
She said she never threatened city staff. “I have never encouraged violence. I have never directed anyone to act against any employee. What I have done is criticize government decisions, wasteful spending, policies, and the conduct of public officials. That is not harassment; it is democratic accountability.
Will Not Be Intimidated Into Silence
“After three years of complaints from the CAO [chief administrative officer] and the mayor, pay suspensions, restrictions, and what I believe is a clear pattern of intimidation and unfair treatment, I remain committed to the job I was elected to do: asking the tough questions, holding government accountable, and speaking up for the residents of Pickering.
“I will not be intimidated into silence. I will continue to speak the truth on behalf of the people who elected me,” said Councillor Robinson, who is running for Mayor of Pickering this October.