N.S. has handed out over $1M in fire ban tickets. How much has actually been collected?
Nova Scotia’s Efforts to Enforce Burn Ban Fines Showing Promise
Despite only collecting about 12 per cent of the more than $1 million in fines issued for breaking the province’s burn ban, a criminologist sees encouraging signs that the threat of hefty penalties is deterring illegal burning.
According to figures from the provincial Justice Department, Nova Scotia has collected $118,869 out of $1,010,537 in fines and fees issued for illegal burning over the past two and a half years. This includes 35 summary offence tickets worth $25,000, with 16 resulting in convictions. The total fine, including a victim surcharge and HST, amounts to $28,872.50.
Michael Boudreau, a criminology professor at St. Thomas University, believes the province is doing a commendable job in collecting fines. He emphasized the importance of taking fines seriously, as ignoring them could lead to arrest or wage garnishment.
The $25,000 fine for illegal burning was initially imposed in 2023 following devastating wildfires in Shelburne and Halifax counties. While some have questioned the effectiveness of such high fines, Boudreau noted that financial penalties can serve as a strong deterrent, especially when enforced properly.
Wayne MacKay, a professor emeritus at Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law, stressed the need for transparency in enforcing fines and ensuring they are proportionate to the offence. He also highlighted the importance of enforcement to maintain the credibility of the law.
While the province has faced challenges, such as a recent Charter challenge from a man purposely violating the ban to contest the fine in court, efforts to enforce burn ban fines appear to be making an impact. With dry conditions prompting a provincewide ban on burning until October 15, Nova Scotia continues to prioritize fire prevention and enforcement of restrictions.
For more information on wildfires, smoke, or air quality, you can reach out to ask@cbc.ca. The province has issued a breakdown of tickets, convictions, and amounts collected for fire restriction violations over the past two and a half years, indicating a concerted effort to uphold the burn ban regulations.
