Hey Steve!
Congrats on making the choice to become a pilot. I have just finished my first flight up to my CPL Multi IFR float and night ratings in a year of flying full time just west of Calgary. It is a great life! As for the jobs, I have made literally hundreds of phone calls not only in Canada but around the world aswell. It seems to be the same story everywhere. Either they are not hiring or even laying people off. It is pretty tough out there, but throw enough sh#t at the wall, it'll happen. Unfortunetly, even ramp jobs are getting a little tricky (minus the ramp positions for infamous carriers). When I started school a year ago people were getting hired straight into flying the right seat. Wow have times changed! Your starting school at the bottom of this wave (I hope) is a great idea. You'll be coming out on the next cycle and be set. Although it is shaping up to be a tough road, I don't ever regret making the choice to fly. At the very least it helps with the girls
Good luck, and maybe see you in the skies!