April 24, 2026
John Carpay: Court Ruling on Nova Scotia’s ‘Woods Ban’ a Victory for Freedom
Commentary Our ancient right to move about freely was affirmed and vindicated by the Nova Scotia Supreme Court on April 17, 2026 (also the 44th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms coming into force). The Charter challenge was brought by Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Jeff Evely, who was fined $28,872.50 just for walking in the woods. He was issued the fine for not complying with Nova Scotia’s province-wide ban on walking (and hiking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, bird-watching) proclaimed in August 2025. The pretext for the ban was to prevent forest fires. Sadly, this law targeted people rather than potentially dangerous activities like smoking, campfires and cooking....
TL;DR
- The Nova Scotia Supreme Court affirmed the right to free movement on April 17, 2026.
- The ruling was part of a Charter challenge brought by Canadian Armed Forces Veteran Jeff Evely.
- Evely was fined $28,872.50 for walking in the woods, violating a province-wide ban.
- The ban, proclaimed in August 2025, prohibited activities like walking, hiking, and fishing.
- The stated pretext for the ban was to prevent forest fires.
- The commentary suggests the law targeted people instead of activities like smoking or campfires.