For too long, Mayor Ashe has gotten away with undemocratic antics. We demand immediate action to restore democracy, transparency and free speech at Pickering City Hall:

• Let the press in: End the outrageous rule requiring a council vote to “approve” media. All journalists – including Rebel News – must be free to attend and report on public meetings, no permission slips needed.

• Re-open City Hall to the people: Reverse the cowardly move to online-only council meetings. Resume in-person meetings where residents can physically attend, observe, and participate without bogus “safety” excuses.

• Restore public input: Bring back the 10-minute delegation times and the open Question & Answer period. City council must once again allow constituents to speak and ask questions, instead of gagging the public.

• Stop the intimidation: No more armed police intimidating or ejecting peaceful attendees and reporters. Cease the use of trespass orders to ban citizens from city property just for voicing criticism – we’re not putting up with “thought police” tactics anymore.

• Respect dissent on council: Drop the vindictive sanctions against Councillor Lisa Robinson and any other representative punished for “wrong-think.” Democracy requires debate, not political payback. Mayor Ashe and his allies must stop treating dissenting views as a crime.

By signing this petition, you’re joining thousands of Canadians in saying “Enough!” We won’t allow Mayor Ashe to trample our Charter rights and run Pickering like a private club for yes-men. It’s time to end the censorship, end the secrecy, and end the bullying at City Hall. Stand with the people of Pickering and demand that our mayor start acting like a public servant – or step aside. This is Canada, not a dictatorship.