- Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, leaders of Canada’s Freedom Convoy, found guilty of mischief.
- The protests disrupted Ottawa for weeks and blocked U.S.-Canada border crossings.
- Lich and Barber acquitted of intimidation and other charges.
- Sentencing for the mischief conviction is scheduled for a future date.
- Protests sparked by COVID-19 vaccine mandates for truckers crossing borders.
Canada Freedom Convoy Leaders Found Guilty of Mischief
Two key organizers of Canada’s Freedom Convoy protests, Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, were found guilty of mischief for their roles in the 2022 demonstrations that disrupted Ottawa and blocked major U.S.-Canada border crossings. The verdict, delivered by Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey, marks a significant legal conclusion to one of the most contentious protests in recent Canadian history.
Background of the Freedom Convoy
The Freedom Convoy began in early 2022 as a grassroots movement led by truckers opposing COVID-19 vaccine mandates required for cross-border travel between Canada and the United States. The protests quickly gained traction, attracting widespread support, particularly from the western province of Alberta. Demonstrators occupied downtown Ottawa for weeks, parking long-haul trucks on major streets near Parliament Hill, disrupting businesses, and creating significant challenges for local residents.
The Guilty Verdict
Justice Perkins-McVey found Lich and Barber guilty of mischief, a criminal offense that involves damaging public property or preventing its lawful use. The judge noted that the evidence showed the organizers encouraged people to join or remain at the protest, despite knowing the adverse effects on downtown residents and businesses. Barber was also found guilty of counseling others to disobey a court order by urging protesters to ignore an injunction against honking truck horns in downtown Ottawa.
However, the duo was acquitted of other charges, including intimidation, obstructing police, and counseling others to commit such offenses. The judge emphasized that while Lich and Barber called for peaceful protests, their actions still constituted mischief under Canadian law.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments
The trial lasted 45 days over a period of 31 months, drawing criticism from supporters of the organizers. John Carpay, president of the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms, argued that the lengthy proceedings were disproportionate, comparing them to hypothetical protests against racism or climate change.
During the trial, the defense maintained that Lich and Barber had advocated for peaceful demonstrations and blamed any disorder on police and city officials. Justice Perkins-McVey, however, cited Barber’s TikTok videos as evidence of their active encouragement of the protests, which had significant negative impacts on Ottawa’s residents and businesses.
Impact of the Protests
The Freedom Convoy protests not only disrupted Ottawa but also led to blockades at key U.S.-Canada border crossings, including the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario. This bridge accounts for over 25% of trade between the two countries, and its closure caused significant economic disruptions. Similar blockades occurred at other crossings, such as Coutts, Alberta, where police discovered a cache of weapons, leading to additional arrests and convictions.
The protests prompted then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to invoke the Emergencies Act, granting authorities enhanced powers to address the situation. These measures included freezing protesters’ bank accounts and deploying extensive police resources to restore order.
Sentencing and Next Steps
Sentencing for Lich and Barber’s mischief conviction will be determined at a future hearing. Court proceedings are scheduled to reconvene on April 16 to set a sentencing date. The maximum penalty for mischief under Canadian law is 10 years in prison, though it remains unclear what sentence the organizers will face.
Despite the guilty verdict, Lich expressed her unwavering love for Canada in a social media post prior to the trial’s conclusion. Both organizers were greeted by supporters outside the courthouse, highlighting the divisive nature of the Freedom Convoy and its legacy in Canadian politics.
The guilty verdict against Tamara Lich and Chris Barber underscores the legal and societal ramifications of the Freedom Convoy protests. While the organizers maintained their stance as advocates for peaceful demonstrations, the court found their actions to have crossed legal boundaries, disrupting public order and commerce. As Canada continues to grapple with the legacy of the protests, the sentencing of Lich and Barber will likely serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the balance between civil disobedience and public accountability.