After a lengthy trial spanning over two years, Ontario Judge Heather Perkins McVeigh issued a conditional sentence on Tuesday for Freedom Convoy leaders Chris Barber and Tamara Lich. Barber received a 12-month house arrest sentence, followed by a six-month curfew. Lich also faced a 12-month house arrest term with a slightly shorter curfew of three and a half months, reduced due to her time already spent in custody—74 days. They are both required to complete 100 hours of community service. Notably, the judge allowed Barber to maintain his trucking job.
Perkins McVeigh indicated she couldn’t grant complete immunity to either defendant, remarking on their “lack of reflection.” She rejected the lengthy prison sentences pushed by the prosecution—eight years for Barber and seven years for Lich—labeling them as “inappropriate.” Both were found guilty of mischief on April 3.
In a video shared on X, Barber expressed gratitude to his supporters, stating he appreciated the overwhelming messages, which he found hard to keep up with. He recounted a conversation with his mother, where she said she’d prefer he come home for 18 months rather than face six months in prison, to which he agreed. He mentioned the positives of working on a farm and the sense of freedom it brings.
Meanwhile, Lich, in a post on X, remained steadfast about his stance. He mentioned a previous discussion about remorse but insisted he couldn’t express any, as it would feel insincere. He questioned who he should apologize to—perhaps those who found hope when the convoy began or the families who could reunite during tough times.
The response to the ruling from the official opposition leader, Pierre Poilievre, emphasized the peaceful nature of the protests, arguing that instead of focusing on serious crimes, the authorities sought harsh sentences for Lich and Barber. He supported the judge’s decision to resist the Crown’s proposed punishments, stating that justice should prioritize the safety and freedom of all Canadians.
Judge Perkins McVeigh pointed out she would rely heavily on victim impact statements to understand how the protests affected daily life and businesses in Ottawa, stressing the non-violent and tolerant nature of the gatherings.
