HALIFAX – The premier of Nova Scotia says if there were a repeat of last year’s dangerous wildfire season, he would consider banning access to the woods again.
This is despite a court decision saying his government’s ban on activity in the woods last year was unreasonable.
The judge said the restriction imposed Aug. 5, 2025, did not meet the standard for reasonableness because the province failed to consider the impact on Charter rights.
Tim Houston told reporters Thursday he did what he thought was necessary while consecutive fires burned, forcing hundreds from their homes for several weeks.
By the time the travel ban was imposed, all areas of the province were facing a high, very high or extreme risk of wildfire, with no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days.
Houston said he respects the judge’s decision, but he would do it again if necessary.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 24, 2026.
