ODGUY,
Yes it is much easier for Canadian's to get a job in the UK. Admittedly getting a JAR Licence is a nightmare for you guys because you still have to sit all 14 JAA exams, but you are able to fly on a validation.
Any Canadian that has a type rating on a jet could probably walk into a job with a low cost ie Easyjet or Ryanair. Times are good in Europe.
Also don't worry about getting a work permit in the UK, anyone that turns up at the boarder normally has the right to work
