Ranveer Singh Launches Fermented Yeast Protein Powder, Claims "Future of Protein"

A Nova Scotia man, Jeff Evely, was fined $28,872.50 for deliberately violating the province's ban on entering the woods during a drought. Evely argues the ban is too restrictive and an example of government overreach. He challenged a similar ban in the past and plans to do the same with this fine.

A Nova Scotia man, Jeff Evely, has been fined $28,872.50 for deliberately violating the province's ban on entering the woods during a drought. The fine, issued under the Forests Act, is one of the highest in the province's history. Evely argues that the ban is too restrictive and an example of government overreach, and he plans to challenge the fine in court.

Evely, a retired veteran and former People's Party of Canada candidate, entered the woods near the Department of Natural Resources office in Sydney, N.S., despite the ban. He was issued a summary offence ticket and subsequently fined $25,000, plus a victim surcharge and HST, bringing the total to $28,872.50. Evely recorded his encounter and posted it on his Facebook page, stating that he wanted to challenge the order in court.

The ban, which prohibits activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping in the woods, was implemented to prevent wildfires during a period of high temperatures and dry conditions. The province has faced criticism and controversy over the restrictions, with some arguing that they are too restrictive and not rationally connected to preventing wildfires.

Evely has previously challenged a similar ban in May 2023, when two major wildfires burned in Halifax and Shelburne counties. He filed an application for judicial review, arguing that his rights were infringed and that the provincewide ban was put in place arbitrarily. However, Nova Scotia Supreme Court Justice Jamie Campbell ruled that Evely did not have standing to bring the case to court, as there were no charges or fines against him at the time.

Evely believes that the court must now examine the legality of the restrictions and whether they are constitutional, given that he has been issued a fine. He plans to challenge the fine with the help of Toronto lawyer Marty Moore, who leads a team of lawyers at Charter Advocates Canada.

The ban has sparked debate across Atlantic provinces, with New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador also implementing similar restrictions. While Newfoundland and Labrador has vowed to impose hefty fines on violators, New Brunswick has not yet implemented a fine system.

The Nova Scotia government has defended the ban, stating that it was put in place following recommendations from experts and that the current conditions are extremely dangerous. The province has seen widespread support for the ban from various business sectors and Nova Scotians.

References:
[1] https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-man-purposely-violates-ban-on-entering-woods-gets-handed-28k-fine-1.7606766