Offshoreigor: I had a look at Canada's C.A.R.S. and they do allow a private pilot to recoup flying costs as in C.A.R. 401.28 (2) it reads as follows:
401.28(1) No holder of a private pilot licence shall act as the pilot of an aeroplane or helicopter for hire or reward unless the conditions set out in subsection (2), (3) or (4), as applicable, are met.
(2) The holder of a private pilot licence may receive reimbursement for costs incurred in respect of a flight where
(a) the holder is the owner or operator of the aircraft;
(b) the holder conducts the flight for purposes other than hire or reward;
(c) the holder carries passengers only incidentally to the purposes of the flight; and
(d) the reimbursement
(i) is provided only by the passengers referred to in paragraph (c), and
(ii) is for the purpose of sharing costs for fuel, oil and fees charged against the aircraft in respect of the flight, as applicable.
However, I recommend that anyone wanting to charge for flying should make sure that they read all regulations, and ensure that they follow all that apply.
I just wanted to clarify things.
Randy_G