The City of Pickering is facing a fresh wave of political turmoil after Ward 1 Councillor Lisa Robinson released a controversial video questioning the existence of remains at former residential school sites. Robinson, who has already been sanctioned eight times by the city for previous code of conduct violations, posted the video on April 8, 2026, where she claimed there were “zero graves” and “zero bodies” confirmed at the Kamloops Indian Residential School site. These comments have sparked immediate condemnation from local leadership and Indigenous advocates, who view the remarks as a direct threat to the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation.
Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe issued a strong public apology to the Indigenous community on April 21, 2026, stating that Robinson’s comments “dismiss, distort, or cast doubt” on the lived experiences of survivors. The Mayor emphasized that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission has already documented systemic atrocities through the testimony of over 6,500 witnesses. While Robinson argued in her video that “real reconciliation demands truth—not hype,” Ashe countered that her rhetoric re-traumatizes those carrying the legacy of the residential school system and has “no place in respectful public discourse.”
As a result of the inflammatory statements, an official complaint has been filed with the city’s Integrity Commissioner. If the investigation finds that Robinson breached the Council Code of Conduct, she could face her ninth sanction since taking office in 2022. To date, Robinson has already lost nearly two years’ worth of pay due to a “pattern of behavior” that include investigations into cyberbullying, homophobic remarks, and spreading misinformation about city staff. Mayor Ashe noted that while Council cannot remove a member from office under current provincial laws, they are committed to holding public servants accountable for upholding shared historical truths.
The controversy centers on the 2021 announcement by the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation regarding the detection of approximately 200 potential burial sites using ground-penetrating radar. Indigenous leaders have repeatedly explained that these investigations are complex and sacred processes that do not always involve immediate exhumation. Mayor Ashe clarified that a lack of physical exhumation in some areas does not negate the “cultural genocide and intergenerational traumas” that are well-documented facts of Canadian history. He stressed that these matters are not up for “political speculation.”
As the Integrity Commissioner begins an independent review of the latest incident, the divide within Pickering Council continues to widen. Robinson has previously characterized her suspensions as a “witch hunt” and has defended her right to free speech on her social media platforms. However, the majority of Council and the Mayor remain steadfast in their commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. For the residents of Pickering, this latest chapter underscores a persistent struggle between municipal governance and a representative whose actions continue to trigger record-breaking disciplinary measures.
