Staff returning to meetings after ‘disrespectful’ conduct from Ontario city councillor forced changes [Video]

Council meetings in Pickering are still closed to the public three months after the meetings went virtual, but city staff will resume their participation in council and committee meetings beginning with the Executive Committee meeting on April 7.

Staff attendance was suspended for a committee meeting on March 3 and at last week’s council meeting due to “escalating disrespectful behaviours directed at them during official proceedings.”

The decision to have staff return follows procedural amendments passed March 24 to help ensure a “safe, respectful, and collaborative environment” for staff and all participants.

The City of Pickering made the call that staff will not attend upcoming committee and council meetings following Ward 1 Councillor Lisa Robinson’s most recent tumultuous virtual council meeting a month ago when she was cautioned multiple times for breaching protocol – including one incident where she attempted to needle CAO Marisa Carpino into a debate

“This was …