OTTAWA, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the Ontario Court of Justice has dismissed the Crown’s application to forfeit the truck of peaceful Freedom Convoy organizer Chris Barber. Mr. Barber’s 2004 Kenworth long-haul truck, known as “Big Red,” is his primary source of income for his family.
The forfeiture application arose from Mr. Barber’s peaceful participation in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa. Despite evidence that police directed Mr. Barber where to park his truck and later instructed him to move it, the Crown sought to permanently seize the vehicle as alleged offence-related property.
The court’s decision brings an end to the forfeiture proceedings for now.
Chris Barber said, “This truck is my livelihood. Trying to permanently seize it for peacefully protesting was wrong, and I’m relieved the court refused to allow that to happen.”
Criminal defence lawyer Marwa Racha Younes welcomed the ruling.
“We find it was the right decision in the circumstances and are happy with the outcome,” she said.
Mr. Barber continues to pursue appeals related to his criminal conviction and sentence stemming from the Freedom Convoy protest.
The Justice Centre has provided funding for Mr. Barber’s legal defence since 2022, including the ongoing proceedings opposing the Crown’s attempt to seize his truck.
“This decision is good news for all Canadians who cherish their Charter freedom to assemble peacefully,” said John Carpay, president of the Justice Centre. “
“Asset forfeiture is an extraordinary power, and it must not be used to punish Canadians for participating in peaceful protest,” he added.
