An Ontario court has delivered a significant victory to Freedom Convoy organizer Chris Barber, ruling that the government cannot seize his prominent long-haul truck, known as "Big Red." The decision, handed down on December 19, 2025, determined that forfeiting the vehicle would constitute a punishment far exceeding what was appropriate for his convictions.
Judge Denies Crown's Forfeiture Application
Justice Diane Magas, representing Chris Barber, confirmed that the judge rejected the Crown's application to have the truck declared "offence-related property" and forfeited to the state. This legal victory means Barber retains ownership of the distinctive red truck, which played a central and highly visible role during the 2022 protests in Ottawa.
The judge's reasoning centered on the principle of proportionality in sentencing. Despite the truck's direct involvement in the events, the court found that permanently taking the asset from Barber would be an excessively severe penalty. This ruling highlights the judicial system's careful balancing act between holding individuals accountable and ensuring punishments fit the crimes.
A Truck Tied to Business and Family
Barber's defence team expressed strong support for the court's decision. In a statement, they emphasized Barber's profound relief at being able to keep the vehicle. "Big Red" has been an integral part of both his trucking business and his family life for more than two decades, making the threat of its loss particularly consequential beyond its role in the convoy.
This ruling comes after Barber was found guilty earlier in 2025 of mischief and counselling others to disobey a court order. These charges stemmed from his key organizational role in the Freedom Convoy, a massive protest that saw large trucks and demonstrators blockade downtown Ottawa for over three weeks in January and February of 2022. The protest was primarily aimed at opposing COVID-19 pandemic measures and government restrictions.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Appeal
While Barber won the battle to keep his truck, his broader legal situation continues. He is currently appealing the 18-month conditional sentence he received for his convictions. The truck forfeiture case was a separate legal matter, and its resolution does not affect the status of his sentence appeal.
The court's decision to block the seizure sets a notable precedent regarding asset forfeiture in protest-related cases. It sends a clear message that while participants can face criminal penalties, the state's power to confiscate property directly tied to the offences is not automatic and must be weighed against the severity of the punishment it represents.
This development marks another chapter in the complex legal aftermath of the Freedom Convoy, an event that sparked intense national debate about public health policy, protest rights, and the limits of civil disobedience in Canada.
