@Brandon8
If you have never intended to reside in Hong Kong, I think you are better off getting all your licenses/endorsements in Canada and do GA until you have enough hours to apply for Air Canada or WestJet.
Something you have to think about when joining CX - you have to have the mentality that you will be permanently residing in Hong Kong. Not only that, you can't bring your western lifestyle standard of living into Hong Kong. Under the current CX Cadet salary, you will live comfortably in Hong Kong (under local's standard of living). Don't even think about paying off mortgages abroad as your salary isn't enough to cover 2 places.
Yes, the salary now is worse than before. But CX management has shifted their hiring scheme from hiring expats to hiring "locals". If you are young, single, and willing to relocate permanently, then CX may be the deal for you. If you are one of the many amongst here that are thinking about working for CX for a few years then apply for basing, then please think again.