Pastor receives 60-day sentence for role in Alberta’s COVID border blockade

A Calgary pastor has been sentenced to 60 days in prison for his role in protests against COVID-19 public health measures that blocked Alberta’s main Canada-U.S. border crossing for more than two weeks.

But a judge in Lethbridge, Alta., gave Artur Pawlowski 60 days of credit for time already served.

More than 200 supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Lethbridge, Alta., some chanting “hold the line.”

In May, Pawlowski was found guilty of mischief and breaching a release order for his role in the blockade of the Coutts, Alberta, border crossing in early 2022.

The Crown had asked for a sentence of eight to ten months, while defense lawyers asked for time served.

During the trial, prosecutors said Pawlowski’s impa*sioned speech to truckers fanned the flames of unrest and convinced them to stay longer.