Mayor Ashe’s Hypocrisy Exposed: Why He Doesn’t Deserve a “Mental Health Hero Award”

Mayor Ashe’s Hypocrisy Exposed: Why He Doesn’t Deserve a “Mental Health Hero Award” By Lisa Robinson It is deeply disheartening to see Mayor Kevin Ashe receive a Mental Health Hero Award when his actions and words have contributed to the very struggles this award seeks to address. While the loss of his stepson Alex is a tragedy no family should endure, it is important to hold public figures accountable for their behaviour, especially when they claim to advocate for mental health. This is a mayor who has repeatedly resorted to divisive rhetoric, labeling Pickering residents and others as “nut cases,” “Nazis,” “homophobes,” and “transphobic,” while dismissing legitimate concerns as “alt-right conspiracy theories.” This kind of language does not break the stigma around mental health; it perpetuates it. His actions — from belittling dissenting voices to encouraging intimidation and bullying — from those who follow him on social media are the exact behaviors that contribute to mental health struggles, including depression and even suicide. Even his own family members jump in on social media calling those with opposing views to f#%k off or eat- sh#t, while the mayor tells people “go have another drink” pushing vulnerable people and their mental health to the limits. Let us not forget his letter to the provincial government recently advocating for the use of the notwithstanding clause to displace homeless individuals — a clear disregard for the dignity and well-being of vulnerable residents. Or the fact that he has taken away six months’ worth of income from a fellow colleague, a single mother, leaving her struggling to provide to put food on the table for her family. and keep a roof over their head. These are not the actions of a mental health advocate but those of a mayor whose decisions and words actively harm others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while families were told to stay home, avoid travel, and follow strict health protocols — even as loved ones died alone in long-term care facilities — like our very own Orchard Villa - Mayor Ashe traveled on vacation with his family. This blatant hypocrisy, at a time when so many Pickering residents were struggling and making personal sacrifices, is not the behavior of someone deserving of such an honor. Families were being torn apart by policies that discouraged mixing vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, yet he violated those same principles he told others to uphold. Additionally, Mayor Ashe has stifled free expression and public participation in Council by controlling what can be discussed, limiting access to videotaping, and silencing voices critical of his leadership. lobbying the Provincial Government to change the Municipal Act for the ability to remove an elected official- taking away the rights and voices of the people who elected them, and furthermore to forbid them to run in a subsequent election- that is election tampering. His frequent intimidation of council members and residents only reinforces the perception of a deeply toxic and undemocratic environment. It is deeply concerning that such an award is being presented to someone whose behavior does not align with the values of compassion, understanding, and support that mental health advocacy embodies. The only reason this honor has been bestowed upon him appears to be tied to his connections and financial contributions from events like the Mayor’s Gala / Flag raising- or funding from the Corporation of the City of pickering, a troubling reflection of the very corruption Pickering residents are tired of seeing. True mental health heroes build others up, create safe spaces for dialogue, and lead with humility and integrity. Shame on you Mr. Mayor Shame on you. I have always stood as a true advocate for the homeless and for genuine mental health support. True advocacy means addressing the root causes of struggles, not silencing or dismissing those in need. Bullying, intimidation, and hypocrisy have no place in leadership, and true leadership is about integrity, not popularity or alliances. “Strength Does Not Lie In The Absence Of Fear, But In The Courage To Face It Head-On And Rise Above It”