Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key figures in the 2022 “Freedom Convoy,” have been given conditional sentences and avoided further imprisonment. Barber was convicted of mischief and advising others to disobey a court order earlier this year, while Lich was convicted of mischief. Both were acquitted of several other charges. Each of them has been sentenced to an 18-month conditional term: twelve months confined at home with limited weekly outings, followed by six months under a curfew starting at 10 p.m.
Lich will receive credit for the 19 days she spent in jail initially and an additional 30 days for breaching her bail conditions. Both Barber and Lich are required to complete 100 hours of community service.
Lich’s attorney, Lawrence Greenspon, mentioned they are contemplating whether to appeal her conviction. He stated, “The primary goal was to ensure she did not spend any more time behind bars, and that goal was accomplished.” Diane Magas, Barber’s defense lawyer, stated that her client respects the judge’s decision, finding it reasonable and in line with their expectations.
The sentencing of the pair in Ottawa followed hearings in July. Crown prosecutor Siobhain Wetscher had urged Justice Heather Perkins-McVey to impose harsh sentences — eight years for Barber and seven for Lich — emphasizing the significant impact they had on the public during the Ottawa protests they orchestrated.
During that period, Lich and Barber encouraged numerous protesters to park their vehicles in the city’s downtown area, causing prolonged traffic congestion. They also raised substantial funds to oppose the federal government’s COVID-19 mandates. The government eventually invoked the Emergencies Act to disperse the protests.
Lich and Barber’s lawyers had requested an absolute discharge. Magas argued that an eight-year sentence would have been excessive. An absolute discharge would have meant no criminal record for Lich.