Pastor’s 78 Days SOLITARY – For 17 Minute Speech

Pastor,With,A,Bible,In,His,Hand,During,A,Sermon.

Canadian courts have NOT overturned convictions against pastors for holding COVID services, despite misleading headlines claiming victory—Calgary pastor Artur Pawlowski’s mischief conviction stands firm while only minor fines against other pastors were dismissed.

Story Snapshot

Alberta Court of Appeal upheld Pastor Artur Pawlowski’s mischief conviction for inciting Freedom Convoy protesters
Only dropped charges involved invalid fines, not actual convictions for defying lockdown orders
Pawlowski served 78 days including solitary confinement for a 17-minute speech defending religious freedom
Government admits some COVID orders were overreach, yet maintains prosecutions against faithful pastors

Court Upholds Conviction Despite Religious Freedom Claims

Alberta’s Court of Appeal recently dismissed Pastor Artur Pawlowski’s appeal, maintaining his misdemeanour conviction for addressing Freedom Convoy protesters at the Coutts border crossing in February 2022. Justice Slatter ruled that Pawlowski’s 17-minute speech directly incited truckers to continue their blockade of the critical Canada-U.S. trade route. The court rejected free speech defenses, emphasizing that his words targeted ongoing illegal obstruction rather than constituting protected religious expression.

Pawlowski, who leads Calgary’s Cave of Adullam church, became internationally known for defying Alberta’s draconian COVID-19 restrictions. The pastor was arrested at least five times in 2021 for holding church services, including a viral confrontation where he expelled health officials from his sanctuary. His unwavering stance against government overreach made him a symbol of resistance among conservatives who watched their constitutional rights trampled by authoritarian lockdown policies.

Mixed Results Reveal Government Retreat on Some Charges

While Pawlowski’s conviction stands, other cases show cracks in the government’s COVID enforcement facade. Pastor Tim Stephens had his charges dropped in August 2023, and Chilliwack Pastor Koopman’s $460 fines were set aside in January 2026 as “legally invalid.” These developments expose the arbitrary nature of many COVID prosecutions, where faithful pastors faced punishment for exercising fundamental Charter rights while government officials later admitted their orders constituted overreach.

The inconsistent legal outcomes highlight the dangerous precedent set during the pandemic era. Alberta Health Services, whose CEO was replaced in December 2025 amid mounting scrutiny, pursued aggressive enforcement against religious gatherings while secular businesses received more lenient treatment. This selective persecution demonstrates how progressive authorities weaponized public health measures to target traditional Christian values and constitutional freedoms cherished by conservative Canadians.

Lasting Impact on Religious Liberty and Government Accountability

Pawlowski’s case establishes troubling boundaries around speech during protests, potentially chilling future expressions of faith-based resistance to government tyranny. His conviction for a sermon encouraging protesters to “hold the line” sends a clear message that authorities will criminalize pastoral leadership when it challenges their narrative. The pastor’s 78-day imprisonment, including solitary confinement, represents the extreme lengths progressive governments will pursue to silence dissenting voices defending constitutional principles.

Canadian court overturns convictions against pastor who held services during COVID lockdowns – LifeSite https://t.co/Ba9mPP2O6s
Finally, a responsible judge. But, no confession of guilt from Bonnie Henry for the unscientific and illegal covid mandates

— Susan Popkes (@SusanPopke29599) January 16, 2026

The broader implications extend beyond individual cases to the erosion of religious freedom across Canada. While some charges were eventually dropped or dismissed, the damage to pastoral authority and congregational trust remains significant. Conservative Christians must recognize these prosecutions as warnings about increasing government hostility toward traditional faith expressions. The fact that officials now acknowledge some COVID orders were illegal while maintaining select convictions exposes the political nature of these persecutions rather than genuine public health concerns.