Premier Tim Houston says he does not plan on appealing a court’s ruling that last year’s woods ban violated charter rights.

The province implemented a $25,000 fine for anyone who went into the woods in order to prevent a wildfire during a severe drought in 2025.

A Cape Breton man took the matter to court after he was fined $30,000 for ignoring the rule – and he won.

Houston says he respects the judge’s opinion, but he did what he thought was necessary at the time.

“Incredible drought conditions, fire risk was incredibly high across the entire province, people were evacuated… they were losing homes. This was an incredibly, incredibly stressful time for Nova Scotians,” says Houston.

He says they will always look for ways to keep people safe.

“Public safety may not be the primary considering of others, but it is the primary consideration for me as premier and our government,” adds Houston.