A dash 8 and a CRJ is not a big plane!
They are when you are staring out. It's all about the perspective.
777, I can't give you any current advice as things are changing rapidly in the industry. But, if you can't get any traction with this question here, try the Jazz and Westjet forums over at AvCanada. The place is full of trolls but you might get some good answers too. There's bound to be someone who knows what the lay of the land is like at Jazz and Encore.. or even Sky Regional or Georgian.
Good luck.