Robinson TEXT

LISA ROBINSON D-

Councillor Lisa Robinson was elected to represent Ward 1 in 2022. She positions herself as a vocal advocate for “transparency, accountability, and common sense.” However, her term has been dominated by repeated and serious conflicts with her colleagues and city staff, leading to a breakdown in governance. Her actions have resulted in multiple sanctions, including numerous pay suspensions and legal action, which has made her a highly controversial figure.

Subject Grades

1. Governance & Council Relations: F

Performance: Councillor Robinson has a well-documented history of code of conduct violations. She has been disciplined multiple times, leading to several pay suspensions. She has also faced a criminal harassment complaint filed against her by the mayor and other councillors. The constant disputes have created an environment of fear and intimidation, leading the city to move council meetings online and increase security.

Evidence: She has been disciplined by the integrity commissioner multiple times, leading to sanctions and pay suspensions totaling a full calendar year. She was also ordered to pay the city $30,000 in legal costs. Her actions and the related legal challenges have been a significant drain on city resources.

Room for Improvement: A complete change in approach is needed to foster a productive and respectful working relationship with colleagues and staff.

2. Transparency & Accountability: C-

Performance: Councillor Robinson has made transparency and accountability a central theme of her platform. She has publicly alleged corruption and cover-ups at city hall and has been vocal about what she perceives as a lack of accountability among staff and other council members. However, her approach has been questioned, as a court has ruled that her allegations were “flagrantly misleading or categorically untrue.” She has also accused the city’s integrity commissioner of bias.

Evidence: She has used social media to make allegations against the city, mayor, and staff, leading to official complaints. She has accused city officials of lying to the public and being involved in a “taxpayer-funded smear campaign” against her.

Room for Improvement: While her stated goal is transparency, her methods and the findings against her suggest her actions have had the opposite effect, eroding public trust rather than building it.

3. Community Advocacy & Service: B-

Performance: Outside of the council conflicts, Councillor Robinson has shown a commitment to advocating for her constituents. She has championed causes such as funding for local food banks, addressing homelessness, and accessibility. Her supporters see her as a voice for the people.

Evidence: She is credited with pushing for a city grant to pay the local food bank’s rent. She has been active in community events and has consistently spoken out about issues she believes are important to the community, such as individual rights and freedoms.

Room for Improvement: Her positive community work is often overshadowed by the ongoing controversies and her disputes with the city’s integrity commissioner and other council members.

Notes

Councillor Robinson’s tenure has been marked by a level of controversy and discord rarely seen in municipal politics. Her strong stance against the council majority and her willingness to use public platforms to air grievances have made her a figurehead for her supporters. However, the numerous legal and ethical findings against her, including allegations of cyberbullying and homophobia, raise serious questions about her fitness for public office.  The cost of her legal challenges and the constant disruptions to city business have placed a significant burden on taxpayers and staff. To improve, she must address the fundamental issues of her conduct and find a way to work constructively within the established framework of municipal governance.