Convoy protest organizer Tamara Lich is seen outside the courthouse in Ottawa on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Photo by ADRIAN WYLD /THE CANADIAN PRESSArticle content
Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, two leaders of the convoy protest, are scheduled to be sentenced for mischief on Oct. 7 in an Ottawa courtroom.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office.Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account.Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Accountor
Article content
In addition to lengthy prison sentences, the Crown wants to seize Barber’s truck, which was used in the protest.
Article content
Article content
A forfeiture hearing on that matter is scheduled for Sept. 12.
Article content
Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey said Thursday she wants to rule on the mischief sentence and truck forfeiture at the same time so that she does not deliver “piecemeal” decisions.
Article content
Article content
Lich and Barber were both found guilty of mischief in April for their roles in the convoy protest, which saw activists fill much of downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022 to protest vaccine mandates and other pandemic measures.
Article content
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber, who was also found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order.
Article content
The lawyers for both Lich and Barber are seeking absolute discharges for their clients, which would mean neither receives a criminal record.
Article content
On Thursday, Lich’s lawyer, Lawrence Greenspon, told the court that Lich has already spent 49 days in jail and has been under strict bail conditions for the last three-and-a-half years.
Article content
Greenspon argued that his client and Barber took “unprecedented” steps by working with police and city officials throughout the protest to limit the protest’s impact.
Article content
Article content
“This is an individual who came to this city with the best of intentions, as recognized by the judge. She has been under strict bail conditions for three-and-a-half years. She spent 49 days in jail for the offence of mischief,” Greenspon said during the hearing’s lunch break.
Article content
Article content
“And if one looks at the positive impact that she’s had on the lives of many Canadians and the community service that she has continued to do, there’s absolutely no reason for her to not receive an absolute discharge.”
Article content
Greenspon read a brief statement on Lich’s behalf that simply said “freedom is not free.” Accused are given a chance to address the court during sentencing submissions.
Article content
Barber’s lawyer, Diane Magas, said Wednesday that she is seeking an absolute discharge for her client because he has been on bail for the last three-and-a-half years without incident.