FLM,
If you're in Africa there are going to be a lot of red flags for you in Canada. Not sure what stage of your career you are at but if you're looking at airlines forget Canada.
Transport Canada or the Airport Authority, not sure which, is not giving red passes to pilots who have/are coming from Africa and other non first world countries so to speak. There are a few threads on here discussing it - I didn't believe it at first but it IS true. Lots of Canadians went abroad for opportunities and are now finding themselves S.O.L with getting the airport red pass.
As for the immigration - good news for you if you're dating a Canadian. Canada recognises common law relationships should you be able to prove that you and your partner have cohabitually lived together for 1 year or more. Canadian immigration WILL require signed leases, photographs, emails, back statements - basically everything and anything that can attest to the fact that the two of you are in fact together. Been there and done that. It's a long road and takes about 12-18months - get a move on if that's the route you want to take. Best idea is to contact the nearest Canadian embassy.
YYZDUB