Chris Barber and Tamara Lich were seen outside the Ottawa courthouse on April 3, 2025. The Canadian Press
Chris Barber and Tamara Lich have been cleared of most charges tied to their roles in the 2022 truck convoy protests in Ottawa. The decision came down Thursday in an Ottawa courtroom.
The two protest leaders each faced six charges. These included mischief, intimidation, and obstruction of police. They were also accused of encouraging others to break the law.
The judge, Heather Perkins-McVey, found both not guilty on four charges. These charges related to intimidation and blocking police actions. However, both were found guilty of committing mischief.
The judge also found they encouraged others to commit mischief. But this charge was stayed, meaning it will not go forward, after Crown prosecutors requested it.
Barber was also found guilty of one more charge — encouraging others to break a court order. Lich did not face this charge.
This means Barber now has two guilty verdicts, four not-guilty ones, and one stayed charge. Lich has one guilty verdict, four not-guilty ones, and one stayed.
In her ruling, Justice Perkins-McVey said people had the right to express political views. But she added that Barber and Lich went too far. She pointed to their actions and words that kept the protest going, even when it caused serious trouble for Ottawa residents.
Prosecutors have said they want jail time for both. The law allows up to 10 years in prison for mischief. A sentencing date has not been set, but it is expected later this year.
The trial lasted over a year. It started in September 2023 and ended in September 2024.
In early 2022, Barber and Lich led the large truck protest in Ottawa. Thousands joined them, bringing trucks and blocking streets for weeks. They opposed pandemic rules and other policies by the federal government.
Many called the protest the “Freedom Convoy.” It caused major disruptions across the city. Businesses closed, traffic was blocked, and daily life was interrupted. The protest grew so big that the federal government used the Emergencies Act for the first time ever.
Whether that move was legal is still being looked at in court.
Other leaders from the protest, like Pat King, have also been found guilty of similar charges.
Both Barber and Lich had pleaded not guilty to all charges when the trial began.
Lich said last year that she would appeal if found guilty.
The public and political response to this case has been intense. Supporters say Lich and Barber stood for freedom. Others believe their actions hurt the community and crossed a line.
Now, with most charges cleared, the focus shifts to their upcoming sentences.
