Convoy leaders' trial will settle criminal question — but debates will rage on

When the highly anticipated trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber finally gets underway this week, there likely won't be much arguing about what happened or what roles the two infamous figures played during the 2022 "Freedom Convoy" protests in Ottawa. 

That winter, the two led thousands of trucks and other vehicles to the capital. They rallied the protesters, and told them to "hold the line" when police tried to break up the honking crowds. They also raised millions of dollars for the movement.

Through every turn, Lich and Barber stood as leaders — documenting themselves in a barrage of selfies, livestreams and social media posts. Lich even published a book in April about her experience. 

These facts won't be disputed. 

What will be, however, is whether what they did was criminal. The legal consequences of this trial's outcome will be the stuff of many disputes to come — both on the national political stage and in smaller gatherings between friends and family. 

Guilty or not, the judge's decision will almost certainly divide public opinion.

Lich, from Medicine Hat, Alta., has spent the days ahead of her trial relaxing with friends and supporters in a cottage in western Quebec — apt, considering the criminal accusations against her might be seen as no big deal. 

In one sense, this is true. 

The charges against Lich and Barber include mischief, obstructing police, counselling others to commit mischief and intimidation — mostly misdemeanors in another judicial setting, and certainly not the kind of court matter that would normally captivate an international audience. 

Still, jail time is a possibility, and at an earlier bail hearing Crown lawyers suggested a finding of guilt could lead to a sentence of up to ten years behind bars. 

The legal ramifications may not end there. A slow-moving, $300-million lawsuit launched by Ottawa residents against Lich, Barber and others involved in the convoy looms over the group.

Lich, who will turn 51 during her trial, has already spent 49 days in jail spread across two stints: the first when she was initially arrested, then again after she was picked up on a Canada-wide warrant for violating her bail conditions.

That came about after she attended a gala last year in Toronto honouring her actions. 

Barber, a 48-year-old trucker, was released shortly after his arrest and returned to his home in Swift Current, Sask.