By Canadian Press

Conservative MPs publicly support ‘Freedom Convoy’ organizers ahead of sentencing

Jul 21, 2025 | 2:51 PM

OTTAWA — Several Conservative MPs are criticizing the Crown’s approach to prosecuting two key organizers of the “Freedom Convoy” protests, with the party’s deputy leader calling it an act of “political vengeance.”

Tamara Lich and Chris Barber were convicted of mischief in April for their roles in organizing the demonstration, which blockaded streets around Parliament Hill for more than three weeks in early 2022.

Lich has posted on social media that the Crown is seeking a sentence of seven years for her and eight years for Barber.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posted on X today comparing the proposed sentences to other offences that came with less severe punishments, asking, “How is this justice?”

In her own social media post, deputy leader Melissa Lantsman calls the Crown’s approach “political vengeance and not actual justice,” while Conservative MP Andrew Lawton says it’s “excessive and vindictive.”

Sharps concerns

Thousands of discarded needles found after two fire department calls in Nipawin

17h ago

BILL 137

'Finally some good news': Battlefords Area Pride welcomes pronoun law appeal decision

19h ago

development

Environment assessment approved for proposed uranium mine

19h ago

The judge in the case is set to announce the sentences on Wednesday, after taking into account submissions from the Crown and the defence.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 21, 2025.

Sarah Ritchie and Craig Lord, The Canadian Press