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Vancouver Sun
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
Who are Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, found guilty on mischief charges?
On Wednesday a sentencing hearing began for Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, after the two were found guilty of mischief. Here's what to know about them, and what happens next. Lich and Barber were key figures behind the convoy protest, sometimes referred to as the Freedom Convoy, that occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022. The protests followed the end of vaccine mandate exemptions for cross-border truckers. Protesters called for the repeal of all COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. Both are from Saskatchewan . Lich had previously been involved with Canada's Yellow Vest protests in Medicine Hat, Alta., and elsewhere, and the United We Roll truckers convoy and protest in Ottawa in 2019, which was in favour of pipelines and against carbon taxes. Barber is a trucker and owns his own company, CB Trucking Limited , based in Swift Current, Sask. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Lich and Barber were arrested in Ottawa on Feb. 17, 2022, shortly after the government of Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time ever, bringing an end to the protest. (Last year, a Federal Court judge ruled that the response was unconstitutional and unjustifiable.) The convoy was cleared out of Ottawa's downtown core in a three-day police operation that began on Feb. 18. At first, Lich was charged with counselling to commit mischief, and Barber with counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order, counselling to obstruct police, and mischief that interferes with the use and enjoyment of property. However, a month after their arrest the Crown submitted a relaid information sheet from Ottawa police, and the two were jointly accused of mischief, counselling mischief, obstructing police, counselling to obstruct police, counselling intimidation, and intimidation by blocking and obstructing one or more highways. On April 3, 2025, Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey found both Lich and Barber guilty of mischief because the court ruled they routinely encouraged people to join or remain at the protest, despite knowing the negative effects it was having on downtown residents and businesses. Barber also was found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order for telling people to ignore a judge's injunction directing convoy participants to stop honking their truck horns. (Lich was not charged with that offence.) They were both acquitted of intimidation and counselling intimidation, with the judge noting that their repeated calls to remain peaceful meant there was no menace or violence intended. They were also acquitted of obstructing police and counselling to obstruct police. The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber. Two days have been set aside for the parties to present their sentencing submissions. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has posted and shared several posts on social media criticizing the Crown's sentencing proposals. In one post on X on Monday he said: 'Let's get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges & antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares & block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants 7 years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich & Barber. How is this justice?' Let's get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges & antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares & block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants 7 years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich… Barber responded with a post that said: 'Thank you, Pierre, we've been waiting so long for elected officials to speak up.' Lich posted a longer message, also thanking Poilievre for his support and adding: 'There is a fine line between politics and the judiciary, as there should be, and I have long understood the uncomfortable position elected officials find themselves in when it comes to commenting on cases that are before the court. In our case, the double standard and the vindictive nature from the prosecution office has become too obvious to ignore and will set a precedent going forward that will affect all Canadians who choose to peacefully protest or deter them from exercising their Charter Right to peacefully assemble.' With files from The Canadian Press Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .
Calgary Herald
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Who are Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, found guilty on mischief charges?
Article content On Wednesday a sentencing hearing began for Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, after the two were found guilty of mischief. Here's what to know about them, and what happens next. Article content Who are Tamara Lich and Chris Barber? Article content Article content Lich and Barber were key figures behind the convoy protest, sometimes referred to as the Freedom Convoy, that occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022. The protests followed the end of vaccine mandate exemptions for cross-border truckers. Protesters called for the repeal of all COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. Both are from Saskatchewan. Lich had previously been involved with Canada's Yellow Vest protests in Medicine Hat, Alta., and elsewhere, and the United We Roll truckers convoy and protest in Ottawa in 2019, which was in favour of pipelines and against carbon taxes. Barber is a trucker and owns his own company, CB Trucking Limited, based in Swift Current, Sask. Article content Article content When were they arrested? Article content Article content Lich and Barber were arrested in Ottawa on Feb. 17, 2022, shortly after the government of Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time ever, bringing an end to the protest. (Last year, a Federal Court judge ruled that the response was unconstitutional and unjustifiable.) The convoy was cleared out of Ottawa's downtown core in a three-day police operation that began on Feb. 18. Article content At first, Lich was charged with counselling to commit mischief, and Barber with counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order, counselling to obstruct police, and mischief that interferes with the use and enjoyment of property. Article content However, a month after their arrest the Crown submitted a relaid information sheet from Ottawa police, and the two were jointly accused of mischief, counselling mischief, obstructing police, counselling to obstruct police, counselling intimidation, and intimidation by blocking and obstructing one or more highways. Article content Article content Were they found guilty? Article content Article content On April 3, 2025, Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey found both Lich and Barber guilty of mischief because the court ruled they routinely encouraged people to join or remain at the protest, despite knowing the negative effects it was having on downtown residents and businesses. Article content Barber also was found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order for telling people to ignore a judge's injunction directing convoy participants to stop honking their truck horns. (Lich was not charged with that offence.) Article content They were both acquitted of intimidation and counselling intimidation, with the judge noting that their repeated calls to remain peaceful meant there was no menace or violence intended. They were also acquitted of obstructing police and counselling to obstruct police. Article content The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber. Two days have been set aside for the parties to present their sentencing submissions. Article content What did Pierre Poilievre say about this? Article content Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has posted and shared several posts on social media criticizing the Crown's sentencing proposals. In one post on X on Monday he said: 'Let's get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges & antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares & block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants 7 years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich & Barber. How is this justice?'
Edmonton Journal
23-07-2025
- Politics
- Edmonton Journal
Who are Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, found guilty on mischief charges?
Article content On Wednesday a sentencing hearing began for Freedom Convoy protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, after the two were found guilty of mischief. Here's what to know about them, and what happens next. Article content Who are Tamara Lich and Chris Barber? Article content Article content Lich and Barber were key figures behind the convoy protest, sometimes referred to as the Freedom Convoy, that occupied downtown Ottawa for three weeks beginning in late January 2022. The protests followed the end of vaccine mandate exemptions for cross-border truckers. Protesters called for the repeal of all COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. Both are from Saskatchewan. Lich had previously been involved with Canada's Yellow Vest protests in Medicine Hat, Alta., and elsewhere, and the United We Roll truckers convoy and protest in Ottawa in 2019, which was in favour of pipelines and against carbon taxes. Barber is a trucker and owns his own company, CB Trucking Limited, based in Swift Current, Sask. Article content When were they arrested? Article content Article content Lich and Barber were arrested in Ottawa on Feb. 17, 2022, shortly after the government of Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time ever, bringing an end to the protest. (Last year, a Federal Court judge ruled that the response was unconstitutional and unjustifiable.) The convoy was cleared out of Ottawa's downtown core in a three-day police operation that began on Feb. 18. Article content At first, Lich was charged with counselling to commit mischief, and Barber with counselling to commit mischief, counselling to disobey a court order, counselling to obstruct police, and mischief that interferes with the use and enjoyment of property. Article content However, a month after their arrest the Crown submitted a relaid information sheet from Ottawa police, and the two were jointly accused of mischief, counselling mischief, obstructing police, counselling to obstruct police, counselling intimidation, and intimidation by blocking and obstructing one or more highways. Article content Article content Were they found guilty? Article content Article content On April 3, 2025, Ontario Court Justice Heather Perkins-McVey found both Lich and Barber guilty of mischief because the court ruled they routinely encouraged people to join or remain at the protest, despite knowing the negative effects it was having on downtown residents and businesses. Article content Barber also was found guilty of counselling others to disobey a court order for telling people to ignore a judge's injunction directing convoy participants to stop honking their truck horns. (Lich was not charged with that offence.) Article content They were both acquitted of intimidation and counselling intimidation, with the judge noting that their repeated calls to remain peaceful meant there was no menace or violence intended. They were also acquitted of obstructing police and counselling to obstruct police. Article content The Crown is seeking a prison sentence of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber. Two days have been set aside for the parties to present their sentencing submissions. Article content What did Pierre Poilievre say about this? Article content Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has posted and shared several posts on social media criticizing the Crown's sentencing proposals. In one post on X on Monday he said: 'Let's get this straight: while rampant violent offenders are released hours after their most recent charges & antisemitic rioters vandalize businesses, terrorize daycares & block traffic without consequences, the Crown wants 7 years prison time for the charge of mischief for Lich & Barber. How is this justice?'
Sharjah 24
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Sharjah 24
Hanoi scooter riders baulk at petrol-powered bikes ban
Concerns over financial burden "Of course everyone wants a better environment," said housewife Dang Thuy Hanh, expressing her frustration over the 80 million dong ($3,000) cost to replace her family's four scooters with electric alternatives. "But why give us the first burden without any proper preparation?" she lamented. Hanoi's bustling scooter traffic is a hallmark of the city's urban life. With nearly seven million two-wheelers in a northern hub of nine million people, the rush hour creates a chaotic scene of congestion. Pollution crisis The exhaust emissions from these vehicles regularly propel Hanoi to the top of global smog rankings, contributing to an estimated 70,000 pollution-related deaths annually in Vietnam, according to the World Health Organization. Last weekend, the government announced plans to prohibit fossil-fueled bikes from Hanoi's 31 square kilometers (12 square miles) by next July, with an aim to phase out all gas-fueled vehicles in urban areas over the next five years. Infrastructure challenges Hanh, one of the 600,000 residents in the central embargo zone, worries about the potential loss of "a huge amount of savings." While she acknowledges that e-bikes could alleviate pollution, she criticizes the lack of public charging points near her home. "Why force residents to change while the city's infrastructure is not yet able to adapt to the new situation?" she questioned. Impact on daily life In Vietnam, many families own at least two motorcycles for various daily tasks, from commuting to leisure activities. Transport reform proposals often spark allegations that the working class bears the brunt of such changes. Similar situations have unfolded globally; for instance, London has charged a toll for older, higher-pollution vehicles, while France's "Yellow Vest" protests were partly ignited by perceptions that President Macron's "green tax" unfairly targeted the masses. Potential solutions Hanoi authorities are considering alleviating the financial strain by offering subsidies of at least three million dong ($114) per e-bike switch and increasing public bus services. Food delivery driver Tran Van Tan, who travels 40 kilometers (25 miles) daily to downtown Hanoi, laments the high cost of transitioning to an e-bike. "Those with a low income like us just cannot suddenly replace our bikes," said the 45-year-old. Health and environmental concerns Despite the challenges, deputy mayor Duong Duc Tuan emphasized the necessity for "drastic measures" to combat air pollution, which poses a significant threat to health and quality of life. A recent report indicated that over half of the toxic smog enveloping Hanoi is attributed to petrol and diesel vehicles, while the World Bank estimates this figure at 30 percent, with factories and waste incineration also contributing significantly. Looking ahead Several European cities, including Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam, have imposed restrictions on internal combustion engines, and other major Vietnamese cities are considering similar actions. Ho Chi Minh City, for instance, aims to gradually transition delivery and service motorbikes to electric in the coming years. However, office worker Nguyen My Hoa doubts the enforceability of the ban in Hanoi. "Authorities will not be able to stop the huge amount of gasoline bikes from entering the inner districts," said the 42-year-old. "It simply does not work."
Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Hanoi scooter riders baulk at petrol-powered bikes ban
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Hanoi - Vietnam's plan to bar gas-guzzling motorbikes from central Hanoi may clear the air of the smog-smothered capital, but riders fear paying a high toll for the capital's green transition. 'Of course everyone wants a better environment,' said housewife Dang Thuy Hanh, baulking at the 80 million dong (S$3,920) her family would spend replacing their four scooters with electric alternatives. 'But why give us the first burden without any proper preparation?' grumbled the 52-year-old. Hanoi's scooter traffic is a fixture of the city's urban buzz. The northern hub of nine million people has nearly seven million two-wheelers, hurtling around at rush hour in a morass of congestion. Their exhausts splutter emissions regularly spurring the city to the top of worldwide smog rankings in a country where pollution claims at least 70,000 lives a year, according to the World Health Organisation. The government last weekend announced plans to block fossil-fuelled bikes from Hanoi's 31 sq km centre by next July. It will expand in stages to forbid all gas-fuelled vehicles in urban areas of the city in the next five years. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 1 in 3 vapes here laced with etomidate; MOH working with MHA to list it as illegal drug: Ong Ye Kung Singapore HSA extends hotline hours, launches new platform to report vaping offences Singapore Tampines regional centre set to get more homes, offices and public amenities Multimedia How to make the most out of small homes in Singapore World Diplomats dismissed: Inside the overhaul reshaping Trump's foreign policy Life US tech CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' video Opinion I thought I was a 'chill' parent. Then came P1 registration Singapore 'God and government are the only things beyond our control,' says Group CEO Ms Hanh – one of the 600,000 people living in the central embargo zone – said the looming cost of e-bikes has left her fretting over the loss of 'a huge amount of savings'. While she conceded e-bikes may help relieve pollution, she bemoaned the lack of public charging points near her home down a tiny alley in the heart of the city. 'Why force residents to change while the city's infrastructure is not yet able to adapt to the new situation?' she asked. Many families in communist-run Vietnam own at least two motorcycles for daily commutes, school runs, work and leisure. Proposals to reform transport for environmental reasons often sparks allegations the burden of change is felt highest by the working class. London has since 2023 charged a toll for older, higher pollution-emitting vehicles. France's populist 'Yellow Vest' protests starting in 2018 were in part sparked by allegations President Emmanuel Macron's 'green tax' on fuel was unfair for the masses. 'Cost too high' Hanoi authorities say they are considering alleviating the financial burden by offering subsidies of at least three million dong per switch to an e-bike, and also increasing public bus services. Food delivery driver Tran Van Tan, who rides his bike 40km every day from neighbouring Hung Yen province to downtown Hanoi, says he makes his living 'on the road'. 'The cost of changing to an e-bike is simply too high,' said the 45-year-old, employed through the delivery app Grab. 'Those with a low income like us just cannot suddenly replace our bikes.' Compared with a traditional two-wheeler, he also fears the battery life of e-bikes 'won't meet the needs for long-distance travel'. But citing air pollution as a major threat to human health, the environment and quality of life, deputy mayor Duong Duc Tuan earlier this week said 'drastic measures are needed'. In a recent report, Hanoi's environment and agriculture ministry said over half of the poisonous smog that blankets the city for much of the year comes from petrol and diesel vehicles. The World Bank puts the figure at 30 per cent, with factories and waste incineration also major culprits. Several European cities, such as Barcelona, Paris and Amsterdam have also limited the use of internal combustion engines on their streets – and other major Vietnamese cities are looking to follow suit. The southern business hub Ho Chi Minh City aims to gradually transition delivery and service motorbikes to electric over the next few years. But with the high costs, office worker Nguyen My Hoa thinks the capital's ban will not be enforceable. 'Authorities will not be able to stop the huge amount of gasoline bikes from entering the inner districts,' 42-year-old Hoa said. 'It simply does not work.' AFP
