Hi. I grew up in Canada but live in the States now. I still have family living there and go back often.
In terms of getting into the country, it's pretty easy compared to the States. Pretty much anyone can claim refugee status and about 90% of the time it is granted. It's amazing how many people can get it even if they have a less than desirable background.
As far as work goes, the Canadian government says the economy is "booming". Of course, it's always "booming" regardless of how bleak the statistics are. Frankly, the private sector is anemic right now and the only job growth that's occuring now is in the civil service and you need to take an exam for one of those jobs. The private sector up there is primarily reliant on what goes on here in the U.S., except Alberta, which has a large energy based economy. Supposedly things are still going will over there.
I would agree with what most people have said so far. The job market in Canada, even in a good economy, isn't that great. I don't think it would be much different in the airline industry...maybe worse. If you do find a job, the salaries are quite a bit lower and the taxes are quite a bit higher. And I don't buy the claim that "you get more out of it". I don't see much difference in what I get back in the states than what I got back in Canada. But anyways, I think it would be harder to find a job in Canada than in the U.S., and the economy is really hurting here too, so that says a lot!
Where are you coming from anyways?