Nova Scotia’s ban on entering the woods could be deemed unconstitutional
Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston has announced one of the most sweeping bans ever contemplated during a wildfire season. Under the new rules, citizens could face fines of up to $25,000 for entering the woods through mid-October 2025.
First ticket issued under controversial order
Retired Master Warrant Officer Jeff Evely, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan in 2009 and Iraq in 2019, became the first person to be hit with the maximum penalty. His fine: $28,872.50, including taxes, fees, and surcharges.
Lawyers provided by the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms have been retained to contest a $25,000 ticket given to Mr. Evely.
Evely sees the order as “Orwellian,” punishing ordinary people rather than targeting the actions most likely to cause fires. “It’s about human dignity,” he said, arguing that banning citizens from enjoying nature on the assumption they could start a fire is unconstitutional.
Legal fight ahead
Constitutional lawyer Marty Moore said, “This law views people as the problem – not dangerous activities. This law is anti-human, and should someone find themselves on the wrong end of a charge – a massive charge, $25,000 dollar fine, for going into the woods, you can expect a constitutional challenge and a judicial review of this order.”
“Premier Houston would be wise to immediately review his overly broad order to avoid further legal action,” he added.