News Release - Pickering Wins Major Legal Victory as Ontario Court Upholds Sanctions Against Councillor

Pickering, ON, June 23, 2025 - The City of Pickering welcomes a decision of the Divisional Court that fully supports how the City of Pickering and its Integrity Commissioner handled two significant code of conduct complaints involving Councillor Lisa Robinson. 

The Court confirmed that the City acted fairly and reasonably when it followed the Commissioner’s recommendations and decided to suspend Councillor Robinson’s pay in two separate cases.

In its ruling related to Judicial Review applications (Court File Nos. DC-23-1427-00JR and DC-23-1440-00JR), the Divisional Court upheld the Integrity Commissioner’s findings and City Council’s decisions to suspend Councillor Robinson’s pay for 30 days (September, 2023) and 60 days (October, 2023), determining that both actions were lawful. Her applications for judicial review were dismissed.

Additional findings by the Court included:

• Refusal to grant a motion seeking to add allegations of bias against the Mayor
• Rejection of all bias allegations brought forward by the applicant
• Affirmation that the Integrity Commissioner’s recommendations and the City’s sanctions represent a reasonable and proportionate limit on freedom of expression

As a direct result of Councillor Robinson’s decision to challenge the sanctions through a Judicial Review, and given the complexity of the case, the Divisional Court ordered her to reimburse the City of Pickering for $30,000 in legal costs it incurred in defending the matter.

This court decision is a resounding legal win that fully validates the City of Pickering’s actions and approach on this matter.

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As the gateway to the east GTA, Pickering (population 118,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. An award-winning municipality, Pickering is slated for significant economic and residential growth; offering an unparalleled quality of life for those who live, work, and play here. Its dynamic City Centre has been designated by the Province of Ontario as both an Urban Growth Centre and Mobility Hub, and continues to evolve as a preferred destination for creative learning, memorable events, and unique experiences at the heart of a vibrant, connected, and engaged community.