Bogtruck, check out the topic on ATPL courses on this forum. The canadian ATPL is only 2 exams vs 14 or what ever it is in the UK, as long as you already have the IFR. Your military experience will help you. Things may be smoother if you have your JAA civvy licenses. Not totally sure on that one. Toronto and Vancouver are both great cities. Hard for beginners to get jobs in those towns, but it sounds like you are bringing some good experience to the table which will help get you to a lot of doors.
All the best.