Certainly the RCAF guys who took part in OP MOBILE rated the Rafale very highly. Agile, twin-engined safety and it has a vastly higher refuelling rate than the Typhoon. Or the F-35B, for than matter!
Quite which variant of F-35 would best suit the RCAF is difficult to assess. Certainly noe the -B; the -C is more expensive than the -A but unlike the -A, is fitted for probe and drogue AAR and has a greater internal fuel capacity. The -A could be fitted for probe and drogue, but LM would doubtless demand huge R&D costs to be paid by Canada.
The decision between the Hornet E/F, some variant of F-35 or the Gripen E will be made in 2022. For reliable operation in cold climes, the Gripen has proved to be outstanding.
But if the RCAF turns down the F-35, no doubt the F-18E/F will be chosen....eh?