Pax or Freight?
I heard many years ago (somebody will correct me if I'm wrong) that freight only requires single pilot. Any Metro drivers out there clarify this one?
Either way, CAR 5.166 is clear. CHTR or RPT multi-crew, the PIC requires an ATPL. If they don't require two pilots, then CPL as PIC is fine. CAO 40.1.0 App 1A Pt 4 lists a Metro Co-pilot endorsement so if not required (ie. ATPL not required) and they are flying 2 pilots by choice, this is debatably loggable as co-pilot time.
I fail to see co-pilot PA-31 endorsements on the list, though.
WRT the 2xCPLs, there may be a possibility of a CAR 217 organisation being given some kind of dispensation, however I don't think this big of a reduction on the CAR priviledges would be likely.