It’s not northern (which is a weird direction to use in Nova Scotia, and generally implies remote in other provinces) but central, and on the main highway from Halifax to the rest of Canada, not that far from Halifax.
And Canadians do have guns, especially long guns in rural Canada.
I was expecting Cape Breton.
OK—reading the story and looking on the map, I see the shooting started in Portapique, which is fairly close to the border with New Brunswick. I think “Western” would be a more natural description. I’d save “Northern” for Cape Breton.
Are there any Nova Scotia Freepers? I kind of doubt it. I know a handful of Nova Scotians, all of whom would like FR, but for that very reason left the province.
Years ago I dated a girl from Cape Breton. A great girl...wish it had worked out.