I'd have thought the hardest thing about getting work in Canada is getting the work permit, never mind the licence issues..
I managed it a few years ago. I was sent over by the company I work for (not in helis, mil avionics) from the uk to work in Canada. Immigration have these rules about employers having to adequately prove an unemployed Canadian can't reasonably do the job. However, due to the fact that my company were placing a nigh-on $100M contract with a local Canadian company, immigration just rolled over and played puppy dog.
One other thing that's worth noting: If you do manage to get a work visa, they're very restrictive and prevent you from legally getting additional professional training and qualifications. The visa pre-approves you for a single employer also. So no jumping about.
Si