The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has launched a criminal investigation into allegations stemming from a contentious situation within the Pickering City Council. The investigation, initiated at the council’s request and originally directed to Durham Regional Police, has been transferred to the OPP’s Criminal Investigation Branch. At the heart of the issue is Councillor Lisa Robinson, who has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict with her colleagues and the mayor, facing accusations of alt-right affiliations and disruptive behavior during council sessions. This conflict has escalated to the point of involving criminal allegations, prompting the OPP’s involvement.
The tensions surrounding Councillor Robinson have been building for approximately two years. Mayor Kevin Ashe and other council members have repeatedly accused her of associating with alt-right groups and disrupting the decorum of council meetings. These accusations have led to several investigations by the integrity commissioner, resulting in findings against Robinson for violations of the code of conduct and subsequent penalties, including the docking of her pay. Robinson has contested these findings through a judicial review, maintaining her innocence and claiming a conspiracy against her orchestrated by the mayor and other council members.
The current investigation centers on Robinson’s appearance on an online show where the host reportedly made inflammatory and potentially criminal remarks about other Pickering councillors. According to Mayor Ashe, the host used terms like “pedophiles” and “nazis” in reference to Robinson’s colleagues and even shared their contact information. Mayor Ashe further stated that the integrity commissioner believes a criminal act of harassment occurred and that Councillor Robinson’s participation in the show may constitute aiding or being recklessly aware of that harassment. Attempts by Global News to reach Robinson for comment before publication were unsuccessful.
This incident has further exacerbated the existing tensions within the Pickering City Council, which have been simmering for some time. Councillor Robinson has consistently denied any association with the alt-right, claiming that accusations against her are politically motivated. She alleges that anyone who expresses support for her is subsequently labeled as alt-right by her opponents, who she maintains are conspiring against her. This narrative of a targeted campaign against her adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing situation.
Adding to the turmoil, Mayor Ashe announced in late 2024 that council meetings would be moved to an online format due to an escalation in threats against council members. He attributed the increasing hostility to the perceived infiltration of alt-right individuals and ideologies within the city, creating an environment of fear and intimidation among council members. In a video announcing the shift to online meetings, Mayor Ashe highlighted instances where he alleges Councillor Robinson interacted with alt-right figures. He emphasized the need to address the growing safety concerns, presenting messages and voicemails purportedly containing threats directed at council members as evidence of the escalating danger.
The OPP investigation is now tasked with uncovering the truth behind the allegations against Councillor Robinson and determining the extent of her involvement in the online show incident. The investigation will also likely explore the broader context of the escalating tensions within Pickering City Council, including the claims of alt-right influence and the reported increase in threats against council members. The outcome of this investigation will have significant implications for the future of the Pickering City Council and the political landscape of the city. The investigation will address critical questions about freedom of speech, political discourse, and the potential criminalization of online behavior. The results will undoubtedly shape the course of the ongoing conflict within the council and potentially influence public perception of the involved parties.
