The criminal trial of Freedom Convoy leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber is experiencing significant delays and is far from being completed. Only four out of the initial 22 witnesses have finished testifying after 13 days of trial. Technical delays, lengthy videos, and deliberation between lawyers have contributed to the slow progress. Justice Heather Perkins-McVey has yet to decide whether eight additional witnesses from Ottawa will be allowed to testify.
The trial, which was originally scheduled for 16 days, centers around a protest that took place in response to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The protest lasted three weeks and hundreds of vehicles converged in downtown Ottawa. In February 2022, the government used the Emergencies Act to bring an end to the protest, leading to the arrest of Lich and Barber. They are charged with mischief, counselling to commit mischief, intimidation, and obstructing police.
The Crown has presented social media videos, including ones from Barber’s TikTok account, to argue that Lich and Barber encouraged protesters to disrupt residents and defy police orders. However, the defense has argued that the pair called for a peaceful demonstration and showed videos to support their claim. The judge has yet to determine the admissibility of these videos.
During the trial, witnesses have provided insights into the challenges faced by the City of Ottawa and its police force in dealing with the protest. Testimonies have veered outside the scope of Lich and Barber’s involvement, with discussions on negotiations, failed agreements, and resource allocation. The defense has contested the relevance of allowing eight downtown Ottawa residents and business owners to testify, while the Crown believes their testimonies demonstrate the impacts of the protest.
As delays continue, Barber’s lawyer has indicated that she may consider filing a Jordan application, which asserts the right to be tried within a reasonable time. The trial is set to resume on October 11 and will include testimonies from senior police and city officials, as well as witnesses from OC Transpo.