In a significant legal development, Chris Barber and Tamara Lich, prominent organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa, were found guilty of mischief on April 3, 2025. The Ontario Court of Justice, presided over by Justice Heather Perkins-McVey, delivered the verdict following a lengthy trial that spanned over a year and involved 45 days of hearings from September 2023 to September 2024.
The Freedom Convoy, which took place in January and February 2022, saw thousands of Canadians converge on the nation’s capital to protest against mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies and other federal mandates. The protests led to significant disruptions in downtown Ottawa and prompted the federal government to invoke the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history, a move that is still being debated legally.
Justice Perkins-McVey found both Barber and Lich guilty of counselling others to commit mischief, while they were acquitted of charges related to intimidation and obstructing police. Barber was also found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order, specifically for encouraging participants to ignore a judge's injunction against honking their truck horns in downtown Ottawa. The court stayed another charge against both defendants that was deemed similar to the mischief charge.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that Barber and Lich actively encouraged participants to remain in the protest despite its negative impact on local residents and businesses. The defense contended that they had called for a peaceful assembly and attributed any disorder to police actions and city officials. Perkins-McVey emphasized in her ruling that the evidence supported the prosecution's claims about the defendants’ roles in the protest.
Both Barber and Lich pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that they were exercising their rights to free expression, association, and peaceful assembly as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Following the verdict, Lich expressed her intention to appeal the decision, stating, "We will not back down. We will continue to fight for our rights and the rights of all Canadians."
The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms, which has been advocating for the defendants, expressed disappointment with the ruling. John Carpay, the center's president, criticized the prosecution's focus on peaceful protesters while highlighting a perceived double standard in the Canadian justice system. He noted that serious criminal cases, such as sexual assault, have been dismissed due to court delays, while significant resources have been allocated to prosecuting protest leaders.
Carpay raised concerns about the implications of the verdict, suggesting that the charges against Barber and Lich were politically motivated. He pointed to instances where other protests, including those against systemic racism, did not face similar legal scrutiny. “If Tamara Lich and Chris Barber had played a leadership role in organizing protests against racism, transphobia, or climate change, they would not have faced 45 days of trial over a period of 31 months,” Carpay concluded.
The Freedom Convoy protests were characterized by their vocal opposition to vaccine mandates, which many participants felt unfairly marginalized those who chose not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Barber, who had received the vaccine himself, argued that the mandates were detrimental not only to the trucking industry but to all Canadians.
On February 17, 2022, Barber was arrested alongside other convoy leaders on charges including mischief, intimidation, and obstructing a highway. The protests, which drew significant media attention, were marked by the presence of trucks and demonstrators who vowed to remain in Ottawa until their demands were met.
The decision on April 3 marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding civil liberties and the right to protest in Canada. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Barber and Lich, as it raises questions about the balance between public order and the right to peaceful assembly.
As the legal proceedings continue, with appeals likely to follow, the case remains a focal point for discussions about government authority and individual rights in the context of public health mandates. The Freedom Convoy protests have left a lasting impact on Canadian society, igniting debates about the limits of government intervention and the rights of citizens to express dissent.
Supporters of Barber and Lich gathered outside the courthouse after the verdict was announced, voicing their solidarity and commitment to the cause. The atmosphere was charged, with many expressing their belief that the legal battle is far from over. Lich was greeted with cheers as she left the courthouse, a testament to the support she and Barber have garnered from their followers.
In the wake of the ruling, both defendants are expected to consult with their legal teams to explore their options for appeal and further legal action. The case has not only captured the attention of the legal community but also sparked public interest, as many Canadians remain divided on the issues surrounding the Freedom Convoy and the government's response to the protests.
As the story unfolds, the outcomes of any appeals and further legal challenges will be closely watched, with implications for future protests and the rights of Canadians to assemble peacefully.
