Pickering councillor fires back at colleagues; threats of violence on alt-right podcast ‘karma’

A Pickering councillor under fire for her appearance on an alt-right podcast where the host labelled her fellow councillors as “pedophiles” and recommended violence against them has distanced herself from the comments.

During a video conference the day after the podcast, Councillor Lisa Robinson called the reactions from her colleagues “dramatics” and the outcome “karma.”

“I do not advocate anything Mr. Johnston said in a hateful manner that advocates violence against my fellow councillors,” Lisa Robinson said of her appearance on a podcast hosted by notorious anti-vaxxer and wanted fugitive Kevin J. Johnston. “I want to make it perfectly clear that I reject and disassociate myself from such rhetoric.”

Lisa Robinson

Johnston, a former mayoralty candidate in Mississauga and Calgary who owes millions of dollars in court-ordered damages for criminal harassment, said on the far-right Rumble video content platform that Pickering’s elected officials “deserve a baseball bat to the face,” suggested that a “vicious and powerful dog” be let loose at council meetings and asked for “70s biker types with big biceps and scarred knuckles” to remove the councillors by force.

Mayor Kevin Ashe and councillors Maurice Brenner, Linda Cook, Mara Nagy, David Pickles, and Shaheen Butt said in a joint statement they will be filing a complaint to the City’s Integrity Commissioner on Robinson’s appearance and tacit endorsement of Johnston’s views on a show they say is “infamous for promoting hate speech, misinformation, and extremist views, crossing all boundaries of decency and legality.”

“Instead of refuting or condemning these reprehensible comments, Councillor Robinson often smiled, chuckled or nodded her head in agreement throughout,” the statement read. “Her willingness to align herself with such an individual and imply her support of his dangerous views is very alarming.”

Robinson, however, said Johnston’s comments are no different than the treatment she has received from her colleagues, claiming she has suffered “sexual, psychological and workplace violence” during her single term on council.

“Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it,” Robinson said while claiming there is “video evidence” of a threat of physical violence (with a sword) from Brenner. “This council is squirming because they’re getting a taste of their own medicine.”

Maurice Brenner

Robinson repeated that she “stands against” Johnston’s “extreme views” but noted the mayor and his councillors “have no problem when it’s directed at me.”

“Their selective outrage and double standards only reveal their hypocrisy. They can’t have it both ways.”

Since her election to office, Robinson has opposed Pride events, denounced Black History Month, questioned the integrity of Durham Police, and fostered division within the city, according to the statement from Ashe and the five councillors.

“These actions have not only disrupted the business of our municipality but have also created an environment of fear and intimidation, which has been intensified by her participation in this podcast. Over the past year, we have all received volatile and hateful emails and messages from Councillor Robinson’s supporters. Collectively, we have received threats of violence, ranging from assault to even death,” the statement said.

Robinson has been found in violation of the City’s Code of Conduct by the Integrity Commissioner on several occasions – her chaotic tenure has seen her pay docked for 30- and 60-day periods – and claims her treatment is part of a scheme by her fellow councillors to label anyone who doesn’t agree with their agenda as “extremist, racist and nazis.”

“Now, when someone else throws similar accusations, they cry foul. It’s the height of hypocrisy.”

Robinson’s colleagues are also concerned about her “actively soliciting” donations and funding from far-right sources without any oversight – which could potentially invite “influence peddling, bribery, and corruption,” they say and are asking the Province to close this “glaring loophole” in the Municipal Act and bring in “stricter sanctions” beyond the suspension of pay.

The councillors plan on making the formal request to Premier Doug Ford and Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Callandra.

Robinson called it a “blatant attempt” to stifle opposition and “genuine debate” on the council floor and believes most Pickering residents support her views – a statement rejected by Ashe and his councillors.

“We know this is not true. We listen to our residents, and we know that the overwhelming majority oppose her views.”

Robinson took a different tack during her video conference (also on the Rumble platform).

“My fellow councillors are terrified of the truth coming out.”