Calgary pastor sentenced to 60 days, time served for role in border blockade

Artur Pawlowski holds a press conference to talk about his phone call with UCP Leader Danielle Smith, in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. In the phone call Smith is heard saying that she had spoken to prosecutors almost weekly about the COVID-19 charges the pastor was facing. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

By The Canadian Press and Lauryn Heintz

Posted September 18, 2023 12:18 pm.

Last Updated September 18, 2023 12:32 pm.

Calgary pastor Artur Pawlowski has been sentenced to 60 days in jail for his role in protests against COVID-19 public health measures, but won’t spend any time behind bars.

Pawlowski was found guilty of mischief and breaching a release order back in May in connection to the demonstrations which blocked Alberta’s main Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts for more than two weeks in early 2022.

The Lethbridge judge gave the controversial pastor 60 days credit for time already served.

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

The Crown had sought a sentence of eight to 10 months, while defence lawyers were asking for time served.

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

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