Chris Barber, full name Christopher John Barber, is a Canadian trucker and business owner from Swift Current, Saskatchewan, who has become a highly recognized figure in both the trucking industry and Canadian public life. He operates his own trucking company, C.B. Trucking Limited, and is known for his hands-on approach, often driving long-haul routes himself while managing his business. Barber has built a reputation as a skilled and dedicated professional within the trucking community, earning respect for his knowledge of logistics, freight transport, and the challenges faced by independent operators across Canada.
Barber first gained widespread public attention in 2022 when he co-organized the “Freedom Convoy,” a protest by truck drivers against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for cross-border transportation workers. As one of the most visible leaders of the movement, he played a central role in mobilizing hundreds of drivers from across the country, coordinating convoys, and communicating with the media and participants. His leadership style during the protest was marked by a strong emphasis on organization and, according to his accounts, encouraging peaceful demonstration, though the events surrounding the convoy became highly controversial and drew national and international attention.
Following the protest, Barber faced legal challenges, including charges related to mischief and counselling others to disobey court orders. His legal battles have been closely followed in Canada, highlighting the intersection of activism, civil disobedience, and the rights of workers and citizens. One of the key issues involved his truck, nicknamed “Big Red,” which has become an iconic symbol of his personal and professional identity. Government efforts to seize the vehicle as part of legal proceedings threatened both his livelihood and his family business, underscoring the real-world consequences of activism in addition to public scrutiny.
Following the protest, Barber faced legal challenges, including charges related to mischief and counselling others to disobey court orders. His legal battles have been closely followed in Canada, highlighting the intersection of activism, civil disobedience, and the rights of workers and citizens. One of the key issues involved his truck, nicknamed “Big Red,” which has become an iconic symbol of his personal and professional identity. Government efforts to seize the vehicle as part of legal proceedings threatened both his livelihood and his family business, underscoring the real-world consequences of activism in addition to public scrutiny.
Beyond his involvement in the convoy, Barber has also engaged in broader legal and advocacy work. He has challenged government actions that he views as overreaching, including lawsuits concerning the freezing of his personal and business accounts under emergency powers legislation. These actions reflect his long-standing commitment to asserting the rights of himself and other independent truckers while navigating a complex regulatory and political environment.
Chris Barber’s life and career exemplify a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and activism. He continues to work in trucking, mentoring others, running his business, and advocating for issues affecting drivers across Canada. While his public profile is controversial, many see him as a symbol of independent thought and determination within the trucking community, representing both the challenges and the tenacity of long-haul drivers in North America.
