Pickering councillor limited to virtual attendance at council after harassment complaint from staff

Controversial Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson – sanctioned eight times already during her lone term in office for code of conduct violations – has found herself in hot water once again, this time for a harassment complaint by city staff launched last year that will see her limited to virtual attendance for the remainder of the term.

Staff filed the complaint against in 2025, citing an “ongoing campaign of bullying, intimidation and persistent harassing conduct” that began in 2024.

The city retained an independent external legal firm, Turnpenney Milne LLP, to investigate a process that involved a comprehensive review of evidence, including emails, letters, meeting recordings, published social media posts, videos recorded and shared by Robinson, Integrity Commissioner reports and witness evidence.

A statement from Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe said the investigators also assessed the “broader pattern, repetition, tone, platform and foreseeable impact” of the councillor’s public communications in the workplace context, including the “effect on psychological safety and the risk of reputational harm” directed at staff.

Robinson chose not to participate in the process, despite repeated attempts to engage her, the statement declared.

Pickering Councillor Lisa Robinson

The investigation took several months and determined the allegations were “substantiated,” finding that the cumulative effect of Robinson’s statements and actions directed at staff “constituted workplace harassment and created a poisoned work environment.”

The findings were then referred to Toronto law firm Aird & Berlis to recommend “corrective actions to better protect staff” while upholding the city’s obligations to provide a harassment-free workplace.

Council’s decision to limit Robinson’s participation in official meetings virtual attendance for the remainder of the term was approved a special in-camera meeting Monday, with staff given direction to update the city’s indemnification by-law to address “adverse conduct” toward city employees.

“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.,” Ashe said.W”e 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.”

Robinson did not respond to requests for comment.