In a bold move to test the limits of constitutional rights, retired Canadian Armed Forces veteran Jeff Evely deliberately violated Nova Scotia's forest access ban, resulting in a hefty $28,772.50 fine.
Speaking in an interview with NowMedia Group's Jim Csek, Evely explained his actions as a necessary step to challenge what he sees as an unconstitutional overreach by the provincial government during high fire risk periods.
Evely, who served 20 years in the military, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, contacted conservation officers in advance to ensure he would be fined.
He argues that the ban fails the Oakes test under Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms, being neither proportional nor minimally impairing on personal liberties.
"Banning my sneakers from the woods is not logically connected to the goal of preventing wildfires, because my sneakers are not a source of ignition," Evely stated.
Evely criticized inconsistent enforcement—such as lighter penalties for arsonists compared to his walking violation and views his challenge as a continuation of his service to protect Canadian freedoms.
"We're talking about human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said.
"These are the kinds of principles that I put my life on the line to serve on behalf of Canada."
Click the above video to hear more of the pair's conversation on the matter.
