Conditional Sentences Handed Down
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, prominent leaders of the 2022 'Freedom Convoy' protest in Canada, have received 18-month conditional sentences from the Ontario Court of Justice. The sentencing, delivered by Justice Heather Perkins-McVey on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, includes periods of house arrest and curfew, along with community service.
Both Lich and Barber were found guilty of mischief in April. Additionally, Barber was convicted of counselling others to disobey a court order. The conditional sentences mean they will avoid further jail time, a key objective for their defence teams.
Details of the Sentence
The 18-month conditional sentence for both leaders comprises:
- 12 months of house arrest.
- Followed by 6 months under a strict curfew.
- Each must complete 100 hours of community service.
For Chris Barber, the curfew requires him to remain at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Tamara Lich will serve 3.5 months under curfew, having received credit for 19 days initially spent in jail and an additional 30 days for breaching bail conditions. Exemptions during house arrest allow them to leave for work, medical appointments, worship services, and essential errands like grocery shopping.
Crown's Demands and Judicial Reasoning
Crown prosecutors had sought significantly harsher penalties, requesting seven years' imprisonment for Lich and eight years for Barber, arguing that such sentences were necessary given the widespread harm caused by the protest. Conversely, the defence had pushed for absolute discharges, which would have meant no criminal record for either.
Justice Perkins-McVey rejected both extremes, stating that her decision aimed to 'deter illegal behavior without chilling political protest in the future.' She noted that a seven- to eight-year jail sentence would not be 'fair, appropriate or consistent with the principles of sentencing,' while an absolute discharge would undermine confidence in the administration of justice.
Background of the Freedom Convoy
The 'Freedom Convoy' protest took place in Ottawa, Canada, in early 2022, initially opposing federal government mandates requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for cross-border truck drivers. The demonstration evolved into a broader protest against all COVID-19 restrictions, leading to thousands of long-haul truckers and supporters blockading downtown Ottawa for several weeks. The prolonged disruption prompted the Canadian government to invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time. The protest caused significant financial impact, with the City of Ottawa estimating costs of approximately $7 million and the Ottawa Police Service incurring an additional $55 million.
Following the sentencing, Lich's lawyer indicated that his client is considering an appeal of the conviction. Barber's defence lawyer stated that her client respects the judge's decision. Both Lich and Barber have publicly stated they have 'nothing to apologize for' regarding their roles in the protest.
5 Comments
Manolo Noriega
A necessary deterrent against future illegal blockades. Glad to see it.
Fuerza
I understand the need to uphold the law and prevent cities from being held hostage, which was a real concern during the convoy. However, I worry that any punishment for protest leaders, even conditional, could be perceived as an attack on free expression, regardless of the judge's intentions.
Manolo Noriega
While the convoy caused significant disruption, the Crown's demand for 7-8 years seemed excessively punitive. The judge's attempt to deter illegal behavior without chilling protest is a tough line to walk, and the balance here might still feel heavy-handed to some.
Ongania
Conditional sentences for protesting? Our freedoms are eroding fast.
Fuerza
It's crucial that protest leaders are held accountable for illegal actions like mischief, but the underlying grievances that led to the convoy shouldn't be ignored. This ruling might deter future blockades, but it doesn't address the deep divisions in society.