If hired for a conversion, you will not have to pay for the course, but you will be on a reduced wage for the first 6 months. Almost all employees are hired as contractors, so work is not necessarily guaranteed, but remember that does work 2ways, so you can leave/holiday when you want also.
I believe we are looking for 30crews for the 75/767, 60 crews for the 747. As per usual though, the company looks for type-rated guys/gals first, then looks for other Boeing typed/experienced pilots. The JAR license is not a requirment if you have at least 500hrs on type (you will get a validation in that instance). There are quite a few Canadians working here (myself included), and although the company has had lots of negative comments, the job is what you make it. I'm enjoying it, however I'm fairly new here, so perhaps I have yet to experience the dark side!
There seem to be lots of new long-term contracts (with other carriers, ie:Lufthansa) being negotiated, or already signed and beginning soon. I expect for the next few years there will be sustained work for most crews.
Good luck with your interview.