Charter challenge on Nova Scotia’s woods ban set for next year

The Canadian Constitution Foundation is taking legal action against Premier Tim Houston’s proclamation that banned all travel in Nova Scotia woodlands due to the risk of forest fires. The foundation is seeking a judicial review of the ban, arguing that it is overly broad and vague.

The challenge, scheduled for early next year in Nova Scotia Supreme Court, will include Jeff Evely, a Nova Scotian who was fined $28,000 for deliberately violating the travel ban. The foundation believes that the government’s power should not infringe on the rights and freedoms of Canadians.

Although the ban has been lifted in Cape Breton and the eastern part of the province due to recent rainfall reducing the fire risk, restrictions remain in place in the western half where the largest wildfire continues to burn out of control. The Canadian Constitution Foundation aims to ensure that government actions are in line with protecting individual liberties.

Blair Rhodes, a journalist with over 40 years of experience, covers crime and public safety stories for CBC. For more information, you can reach out to him at blair.rhodes@cbc.ca.

It is crucial to uphold the rights and freedoms of Canadians while also ensuring public safety. The legal challenge by the Canadian Constitution Foundation will shed light on the balance between government actions and individual liberties in Nova Scotia.