OTTAWA, ON: The Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms announces that the Ontario Court of Justice has handed Saskatchewan trucker and peaceful Freedom Convoy protester Chris Barber an 18-month conditional sentence and 100 hours of community service.
The sentence will be served in his community. The Crown sought an extraordinarily harsh eight-year prison sentence for Mr. Barber, despite his entirely peaceful participation in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protest in Ottawa.
In today’s sentencing hearing, Justice Perkins-McVey stated that Mr. Barber “came with the noblest of intent and did not advocate for violence.”
Justice Perkins-McVey went on to emphasize the peaceful nature of the 2022 Freedom Convoy, describing it as a “non-violent protest, no property damage, no intent to harm critical infrastructure.” She noted that Mr. Barber moved his own truck and encouraged others to do the same, consistently promoting peaceful cooperation with law enforcement. “The Court recognized Mr. Barber’s peaceful conduct and cooperation with police throughout the Freedom Convoy,” stated constitutional lawyer Diane Magas.
Under the terms of the conditional sentence, Mr. Barber must remain on his property during the first 12 months of his sentence except for employment or travel related to legal, medical, or dental appointments, or religious services.
The Justice Centre has funded the legal defence of Mr. Barber since 2022, maintaining that he peacefully exercised his Charter freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly when he joined thousands of Canadians in Ottawa to protest government-imposed vaccine mandates.
Justice Centre President, John Carpay, reflected on the verdict with concern: “Chris Barber and Tamara Lich should not have been convicted of criminal mischief in the first place. Not only was their cause noble, calling upon Ottawa to recognize the fundamental rights and freedoms of all Canadians during this country’s darkest chapter, but Chris and Tamara pursued their cause in a peaceful, cooperative, and respectful manner.”
“Rarely are protests of that magnitude so peaceful. And yet today, after undergoing the longest mischief trial in the history of Canada, with predictable negative impacts on their health, finances, and families, Justice Heather Perkins-McVey still chose to hand Chris an 18-month conditional sentence, to be served in his community, 100 hours of community service, and a curfew order,” he added.
“Fortunately, Justice Perkins-McVey did not accept the absurd recommendation of Crown Prosecutors to jail Chris for eight years and to jail Tamara for seven years. However, this sentence still goes too far, sending a chilling message to Canadians who freely exercise their Charter freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly.”
“I thank every Canadian who stood with us in defence of Chris Barber and Tamara Lich these many years. Today’s outcome would certainly have been worse if generous donors had not provided these brave Canadians with the best possible legal defence.”
Ms. Magas continues to represent Mr. Barber in a separate proceeding opposing the Crown’s attempt to seize his 2004 Kenworth truck, “Big Red,” which remains the Barber family’s primary source of income.
Those wishing to help cover the cost of Mr. Barber’s legal defence are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation at www.jccf.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact media@jccf.ca.
