Prince Edward Island ends probe into councillor’s controversial Truth-Reconciliation sign
The provincial government of Prince Edward Island discontinued its inquiry into Murray Harbour councillor John Robertson’s disputed yard sign about Truth and Reconciliation Day.
In September 2023, Murray Harbour councillor John Robertson placed a yard sign that read, in part, “Truth: mass grave hoax,” prompting the municipal council to find him in violation of multiple code-of-conduct provisions. The council imposed a six-month suspension, a $500 penalty and required a formal apology, which Robertson rejected, claiming the message was his personal opinion on private land. He appealed to the Prince Edward Island Supreme Court, but the case was dismissed in August 2025, and he failed to seek timely judicial review.
The provincial government, which had hired lawyer Michael Drake to investigate in early 2024, announced in the fall of 2025 that it would not resume the inquiry, citing the dismissed court action and the risk of further legal battles. Mayor Terry White criticized the move as undermining municipal authority, while Senator Brian Francis and Indigenous leaders called for Robertson’s resignation, citing harm to Indigenous communities.
The Canadian Constitutional Foundation welcomed the decision as a free-speech victory. Robertson has since returned to council and remains eligible to run in the upcoming municipal election.
Why it matters
It shows how provincial authorities handle elected officials’ controversial speech and its impact on Indigenous reconciliation efforts.
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