OTTAWA — In a significant development for the Freedom Convoy movement, organizers Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were found guilty of mischief on April 3, 2025, for their roles in the mass protest that took over Canada’s capital in February 2022. The verdict, delivered by Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey, follows a lengthy trial that began in September 2023 and included 45 days of evidence and legal arguments.
Both Lich and Barber faced multiple charges, including mischief, intimidation, and counseling others to break the law, stemming from their leadership in the protest that drew thousands of demonstrators and caused significant disruption in Ottawa. The protest was marked by honking horns, blocked streets, and a palpable tension between demonstrators and law enforcement.
During the trial, Barber insisted he had “didn’t have control of people” amid the chaos, attributing the unrest to internal conflicts among protesters and inconsistent messaging from authorities. In an interview from his home in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Barber expressed his concern about the implications of a criminal record on his trucking business, which regularly crosses the U.S. border. “It seems like a lot of grasping,” he remarked, referring to the Crown's case against him.
Meanwhile, Lich, who has already served two stints in jail, stated she is at peace with her actions during the protest. “I know what I was advocating for. And I know the message that I was trying to get across, which was peace and love and unity and respecting the rule of law,” she told CBC News during an interview from Medicine Hat, Alberta. Lich also reflected on the emotional toll of potentially facing more jail time, especially the impact it would have on her family. “It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done or whether you’re guilty, calling your children from prison is not a nice feeling at all,” she added.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment, as it not only affects the futures of Lich and Barber but also represents a significant chapter in the ongoing legal ramifications of the Freedom Convoy protests. The trial's conclusion was marked by the invocation of the Emergencies Act by the federal government for the first time in Canadian history, a move that is still being debated in court regarding its legality.
Justice Perkins-McVey acknowledged the daunting task of reaching a verdict given the extensive evidence and complex legal arguments presented. The judge noted that while Lich and Barber may have come to Ottawa with good intentions, the Crown argued that their actions transformed into criminal conduct that violated the rights of others.
In a parallel case, fellow organizer Pat King was found guilty of mischief and disobeying a court order late last year, receiving a sentence of three months of house arrest with credit for time served. This sentence is currently under appeal by prosecutors, who had sought a ten-year prison term for King.
As Lich and Barber awaited their verdict, they expressed their readiness for any outcome. Lich stated, “I think I’m emotionally and mentally prepared for it. I don’t know what to expect. But, again, if I’m found guilty then we’re gonna appeal it anyway.” Barber echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that a victory in court would serve as vindication for their actions during the protests. “We’ll be vindicated if we win. I mean, that will be a celebration,” he remarked.
In the courtroom, the atmosphere was charged as supporters of Lich and Barber gathered to hear the verdict. The judge’s ruling, which is expected to be detailed in a 105-page document, will likely address the various testimonies heard during the trial, including those from residents who reported significant disruptions to their daily lives due to the protest.
The judge noted that while political demonstrations are valid, the actions taken by Lich and Barber crossed a legal line. The prosecution conceded that both defendants arrived in Ottawa with the best of intentions but argued that their leadership roles in the protests led to unlawful conduct.
As the legal battle continues, both Lich and Barber are expected to return to Ottawa for further civil lawsuits arising from the Freedom Convoy protests. The implications of their convictions could resonate beyond their personal circumstances, potentially influencing future protests and the legal landscape surrounding civil disobedience in Canada.
The decision was anticipated to be delivered shortly after 10 a.m. at Ottawa's Ontario Court of Justice, marking a critical moment not just for the defendants but for the broader movement they represent.
