What was supposed to be a wild conspiracy theory has now been upgraded to official government policy. It started in Nova Scotia where the government decided that walking in the woods is apparently a danger to society. Hiking, fishing, even just a quiet walk is now banned. And why? Oh, you know, for your own good and to protect the environment. Because nothing says saving nature like telling people they re not allowed to enjoy it.
00:02:00.040Well, I called ahead to the Department of National Resources and let them know what I wanted to do and why I was doing it.
00:02:06.840I talked to the supervisor, came in when the guys were coming on their shift change.
00:02:11.060And, you know, I just approached it kind of firm, fair, friendly, and I didn't stick any cameras in their face.
00:02:16.800I did my best to keep it as non-confrontational and cool-headed and professional as I could.
00:02:22.760They gave me kind of the gears initially because that's what their superiors expect them to do, and I understand that.
00:02:28.920So once we got those initial formalities out of the way, the guys were pretty accommodating.
00:02:34.100We went out behind the building and on camera.
00:02:37.460I took a very short 90-second stroll through some dense bush behind their building just so they could get that for the record.
00:02:48.640And we went back inside, and they issued me a ticket for a grand total of $28,872.50 because apparently on top of that $25,000 fine, there are taxes, court fees, and a victim fee.
00:03:11.700So you know what I'm about to tell you, which is that the wildfire situation in New Brunswick has gotten worse.
00:03:23.280We know that the hot, humid, windy weather is going to continue for the foreseeable future.
00:03:29.260So we need to take all possible precautions to avoid the spread of the existing fires or the starting of new fires.
00:03:38.520I will provide more details about what we're doing to keep New Brunswickers safe, but know that that is our top priority, to keep New Brunswickers safe.
00:03:51.800Every New Brunswicker, for your cooperation and for following directives.
00:03:56.260This is helping emergency personnel to do their jobs and keep them safe.
00:04:03.580We need to work together on this because we are all in this together.
00:04:07.580So, again, please stay out of the woods and prepare yourself and try to be informed.
00:05:03.080Authoritarianism with a maple leaf stamp on it.
00:05:05.840The experts team are always in action.
00:05:09.940We have been in contact as well with the federal government in terms of potential financial assistance and disaster relief,
00:05:16.880which, of course, that analysis will come when we get through this.
00:05:19.980But certainly look forward to working with our federal partners and helping rebuild any of these communities and losses throughout the province.
00:05:26.460My understanding is that there are fines pending, which will be given out subsequent to the increase in fines under the Forestry Act regulations, which we recently made.
00:05:39.100Effective 4 p.m. today, we're telling Nova Scotians, stay out of the woods.
00:05:44.200We are restricting travel and activities that really aren't necessary for most of us.
00:05:51.740Hiking, camping, fishing, and the use of vehicles in the woods are not permitted.
00:05:55.700But trail systems through woods are off limits.
00:06:00.180Camping is allowed, but only in official campgrounds.
00:06:04.280The fine for violating any of these bans is the same as the fine for the ban on burning, $25,000.
00:06:13.620If you don't and you cause a fire, we will hold you accountable.
00:06:19.720So what does this mean if you have a home or cottage surrounded by a wooded area?
00:06:23.920We strongly encourage you to stay out of those woods, regardless of where they are.
00:06:29.960Please don't do anything that could unnecessarily put you, your family, or your neighbors at risk.