Assuming you already have the right to work in Canada, the weekend course sounds about right. The course isn't mandatory, but passing the two exams is. You can write them on any business day, or separate days for each exam, no appointment required. (They cost $110 each, which we all gripe about, but I'm sure you'll laugh at). They give you the results right away (multiple choice, computer marked). They check your logbook to make sure you have the required hours and sorts of hours (e.g. night PIC cross-country on a Tuesday in a red airplane). You *probably* also have to do an instrument ride (flight test) in a non-centreline thrust twin. Flight test costs about $150, plus whatever it costs you to rent the twin. I say probably because someone with a Canadian CPL going for an ATPL has to have done an instrument ride within the last 12 months, and I doubt they would accept one from another country.