Tamara Lich, one of the main organizers of the Freedom Convoy, was seen outside an Ottawa courthouse on Wednesday. The Canadian Press
The lawyer for Chris Barber, a truck driver from Saskatchewan and a leading figure in the 2022 Ottawa convoy protests, is asking the court to fully discharge him. Barber was found guilty in April of mischief and encouraging others to ignore a court order. The Crown, however, wants him to serve eight years in prison.
At Wednesday’s sentencing hearing in Ottawa, Barber’s lawyer Diane Magas argued that the proposed sentence is too severe. She said it does not fit the case and called it unfair. Magas told the court that Barber is well-liked in his community and has no past criminal charges. Supporters sent several letters backing his character.
Protests Caused Long Shutdown in Downtown Ottawa
Barber and fellow protest organizer Tamara Lich helped lead a massive demonstration in Ottawa in early 2022. It lasted over three weeks and shut down key streets near Parliament Hill. Protesters opposed COVID-19 rules, including vaccine mandates. The protest brought in many large trucks and raised serious concerns for residents, businesses, and city officials. Police launched one of the largest operations in Canadian history to clear the area.
The April court ruling found both Barber and Lich guilty of mischief. The judge, Heather Perkins-McVey, said the two urged people to come to the protest or remain there, even while knowing it caused major problems for the city. Lich was in court Wednesday while Barber joined the hearing online.
Crown Seeks Long Sentence, Defence Pushes Back
Prosecutor Siobhain Wetscher said the protest was not peaceful, even though it wasn’t violent. She explained it went beyond regular protest activity. According to her, it was planned, carried out carefully, and lasted for weeks. The Crown asked for seven years in jail for Lich and eight for Barber.
Outside the courtroom, Magas said Barber is trying to stay strong under the pressure. She repeated that the punishment being requested is far too harsh. On Thursday, Lich’s lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, is expected to present his argument.
Political Reaction Raises Questions
The case has caught the attention of political leaders. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and other party members criticized the long prison time the Crown wants. Poilievre wrote on social media asking, “How is this justice?”
Lich responded online as well. She said that the legal process seems unfair and that the Crown is being unusually harsh. She warned that this case might stop others from protesting peacefully in the future.
Emergency Act Still Under Debate
The convoy protests were partly behind the federal government’s decision to use the Emergencies Act in 2022. That move allowed officials to freeze bank accounts and tow vehicles. Some saw it as necessary, others saw it as government overreach.
In early 2023, a court said the Act was justified. But in 2024, another judge ruled it was not reasonable or legal. The federal government is now appealing that ruling.
