Councillor Lisa Robinson raises some interesting and important questions about the sale of Elexicon shares, a municipal investment.
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Councillor Lisa Robinson is sounding the alarm over what she calls an “undemocratic and dangerous” plan to sell the City of Pickering’s shares in Elexicon Corporation — without public consultation, without a vote, and without transparency.
“We’ve been discussing the future of Elexicon for months now,” said Robinson. “But never out in the open. Always behind closed doors. Always with the same endgame: to sell off a public asset without your consent.”
In a video message released today, Councillor Robinson reveals that Pickering and Ajax are the only two Elexicon shareholders pushing to sell their shares, while Clarington, Whitby, and Belleville are holding onto theirs. “That raises serious questions,” she notes. “Why are we the only ones rushing to offload public assets our partners see long-term value in?”
Robinson is calling out Mayor Kevin Ashe and Council for shutting the public out of the process. “The Mayor has openly stated that the people of Pickering will have no say in whether our shares are sold. That should enrage every single resident.”
She adds that her own efforts to raise these concerns have been met with what she describes as deliberate obstruction. On June 23, Council held a critical in-camera meeting on the sale of Elexicon shares — but Robinson was never sent a link, never contacted despite not sending regrets, and was denied her confidential agenda documents. “That’s the protocol for others — but not for me. At the 7 PM meeting that night, I asked for a debriefing. The Clerk told me to read about it in the minutes.”
Robinson has repeatedly requested a full briefing on what was said and done during the closed session. She says she’s been ignored.
“This isn’t just about procedure,” she said. “It’s about power. Control over our infrastructure. Long-term stable revenue. Public ownership. All of that is on the line — and they want to give it away for a one-time cash grab, without public input.”
In her message, Robinson outlines the long-term benefits of keeping Pickering’s Elexicon shares, including:
- Steady dividends to fund local services
- Public control over hydro delivery and pricing
- Rising value as the city grows
- A voice in regional energy infrastructure
“Even in Monopoly, nobody sells off their utilities and thinks they’ve won,” Robinson quipped. “This Council is playing games — just not where you can see them. They’re doing it in secret, with your money, your assets, and your trust on the line.”
Councillor Robinson is calling for:
- Full public consultation
- An independent financial analysis
- A binding public referendum
“This is your utility. Your money. Your city. Your future,” she said. “If they’re going to sell what you own, they need your permission.”
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A MUST WATCH VIDEO -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ9FH7jXAdw
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For media inquiries or to schedule an interview with Councillor Lisa Robinson, please contact: Councillor Lisa Robinson, Office of Councillor Lisa Robinson, “The People’s Councillor”
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ABOUT ELEXICON
Elexicon Energy Inc. is a municipally owned electricity distributor and is regulated by the Ontario Energy Board. The company’s trading value is not publicly available as it is not a publicly traded company. Elexicon Energy is a subsidiary of Elexicon Corporation, which is wholly owned by five municipalities.
Here’s why the trading value isn’t available and what information is available:
- Not Publicly Traded:
Elexicon Energy is not listed on any stock exchange. It’s a subsidiary of Elexicon Corporation, which is owned by municipalities.
- Municipal Ownership:
The fact that Elexicon is owned by municipalities means its shares are not available for trading on the open market.
- Focus on Utility Services:
Elexicon Energy focuses on providing electricity distribution services to its service areas and is not involved in trading activities that would affect a stock price.
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COMMENTS/OPINIONS
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Councillor Robinson has been at the centre of much controversy and disorder in the muncipal council discussions and meetings. Be that as it may, her statements bear consideration and evaluation. “Where there’s smoke there’s fire,” may have some merit here.
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Commentary
I often disagree with Councillor Robinson with many declarations that she makes. Often, the councillor sounds argumentative and narrow focused but from time to time, she makes good sense. In the case of Elexicon, she is right in criticizing the closed door decision to sell shares in a profitable municipal investment. This investment may have been earning the City revenue, which may have impacted on the City’s property tax-rate. Pickering residents lament high taxes often and the sale of this profitable revenue source may have needed public discussion as Robinson critically condemns. Should the Mayor have given residents of Pickering an explanation?
Council meetings are not run by referendum, nor does the council operate on the whim of public opinion, but something as important as the sale of a financially profitable revenue source may have needed some public enlightening.
Richard Szpin
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