What counts as the woods? Judge axes Nova Scotia’s ban that defied ‘commonsense definitions’

A Nova Scotia judge has overturned a provincial ban that prohibited people from entering forests during last summer's wildfire crisis. The ban, which carried a hefty fine of C$25,000, was challenged by a hiker who argued it defied common sense definitions of "the woods." The judge agreed, ruling that the broad scope of the prohibition was unreasonable.

This ruling clarifies the scope of government powers during emergencies and ensures that restrictions are based on clear and reasonable definitions.