Crown prosecutors are pursuing significant prison sentences for Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key figures in the Freedom Convoy protest. Both were convicted of mischief, with the Crown seeking a minimum of seven years for Lich and eight years for Barber, who was also found guilty of counseling others to disobey a court order.

The Crown argues that the disruptive nature of the Freedom Convoy blockades justifies these severe penalties. In contrast, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the legal system, claiming it is harsh on Lich and Barber while being lenient toward violent offenders and those involved in antisemitic riots.

The proposed sentences for Lich and Barber have raised questions about the consistency of sentencing in Canada. For instance, a British Columbia man convicted of sexually assaulting his one-year-old daughter faced a Crown recommendation of five to six years, significantly less than what is sought for the protest organizers.

In another case, an army reservist who attempted to ram a car filled with guns into the prime minister's residence received a six-year sentence recommendation, despite his more violent actions.

Vehicular manslaughter cases also illustrate the disparity in sentencing. For example, a man who killed a senior couple while driving drunk received a five-year sentence, while the Crown is seeking seven years for Lich and Barber.

Manslaughter cases can also result in lighter sentences. A man who fatally stabbed another for intervening in a domestic dispute was recommended a five-year term by the Crown.

In a case involving police misconduct, an Edmonton officer who stalked and sexually harassed vulnerable women was sentenced to only six months, despite the Crown seeking two to three years.

The sentencing for child pornography offenses has also been notably lenient. A man with a vast collection of child pornography was sentenced to just two years, despite the Crown seeking three to three-and-a-half years.

In a particularly egregious case, parents who tortured their toddler to death were also subject to an eight-year sentence recommendation, the same as that sought for Barber.

Other violent crimes, such as shooting at police or intentionally ramming a vehicle loaded with children, have resulted in sentences that are often less than what is being sought for the Freedom Convoy organizers.

The inconsistency in sentencing has sparked debate about the justice system's priorities. As the Crown pursues these lengthy sentences for Lich and Barber, many are questioning the rationale behind the disparities in punishment for various crimes.