Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key organizers of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” protest in Ottawa, have been found guilty of mischief for their roles in the demonstration. Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey delivered the verdict on April 3, 2025, concluding that both individuals knowingly encouraged participants to remain in Ottawa despite the protest’s adverse effects on residents and businesses.
The “Freedom Convoy” began in January 2022 as a protest against COVID-19 public health mandates, with demonstrators occupying downtown Ottawa with the intent to stay until the mandates were lifted. The prolonged occupation led to significant disruptions, prompting legal actions and public outcry.
In addition to the mischief charges, Lich and Barber faced multiple other charges, including intimidation and counseling others to break the law. Barber also faced charges of counseling others to disobey a court order. The court’s decision highlights the legal consequences of organizing and leading protests that result in significant public disruption.
This verdict serves as a precedent for how Canadian courts may handle similar cases in the future, emphasizing the balance between the right to protest and the responsibility to avoid causing undue harm to the public. The sentencing for Lich and Barber is expected to be scheduled in the coming weeks, where the court will determine the penalties for their actions during the “Freedom Convoy” protest.
