House Arrest, Not a Holiday Package Justice Heather Perkins McVey's recent ruling denying Tamara Lich's request to travel internationally under house arrest highlights the blurring of lines between punishment and privilege in Canada.
Lich, convicted of mischief and other offences related to her role in organizing the 2022 convoy protest that paralyzed downtown Ottawa, is serving a conditional sentence with 12 months under house arrest.
While individuals may need to travel for work or personal reasons while serving sentences, Lich's request to attend press events at the White House, embark on a Caribbean cruise sponsored by Rebel News, and speak with right wing comedian Rob Schneider in Arizona raises questions about her ability to use her sentence as an excuse for international travel.