Province says woods ban was necessary, no appeal planned
Premier Tim Houston says he does not plan on appealing a court’s ruling that last year’s woods ban violated charter rights but felt it was necessary at the time.
The province implemented a $25,000 fine for anyone who went into the woods in order to prevent a wildfire during a severe drought in 2025.
A Cape Breton man took the matter to court after he was fined $30,000 for ignoring the rule – and he won.
Houston says he respects the judge’s opinion, but it was about keeping people safe.
“Incredible drought conditions, fire risk was incredibly high across the entire province, people were evacuated… they were losing homes. This was an incredibly, incredibly stressful time for Nova Scotians,” says Houston.
He says public safety might not be the primary concern for others, but it is for him and his government.
