The Canadian licence is an ICAO one and therefore reaches a certain standard. It is also looked upon much more favourably than many others!
In fact you can exchange your Canadian licence for an FAA one directly (helicopters as well soon!)
As a product of the Canadian system myself I can assure you that it is indeed up to scratch, and more.
Why not do the Canadian licence? You are there anyway and the hours will count at least. As for schools, depending on where you are you could try Harv's Air at Steinbach in Manitoba (Hi Adam!) or ProIFR at Boundary Bay, and Calgary Flying Club. I'm sure there are others but they are the only ones I have direct experience of.
Good luck
phil