Questions about making flying a career

I have a few questions about being a pilot (especially in Canada). I'm
thinking about making flying a career (but I don't even have my PPL right
now, so it'll be a few years).



First off, what are your recommendations or experiences for flight training?
I was thinking of after getting my PPL, of going to Mount Royal College in
Calgary, Alberta, or NAIT in Edmonton. Is it better to go to a college
flight school (and get a diploma), a professional flight school such as
Delta Connection Academy (I'm not sure if Canada has any schools like this,
any information would be appreciated), or through a private instructor?



Second, I've heard rumors of the Canadian Government having a
scholarship/loan/grant (like I said, I just heard it over the grape vine, I'
m not sure if it even exists) for pilots working on getting their CPL, or
IFR rating. Is there any banks or other institutions that offer financing
for get your licenses (well, for the college route, I'm sure student loans
would work, but they only cover so much).



Also, I would appreciation any suggestions, or experiences for getting
through the "grey" area of a flying career between your CPL and ATP license.
Know that a lot of airlines won't hire unless you have your Air Transport
License, but it's also 1300 hours between the 2.



If you may not have noticed, I am Canadian, what do I need to know if I want
to fly for an airline in the States, or if it is even possible with a
Canadian license.



And one more thing, I know that a few years ago, that there was going to be
a shortage of pilots coming up, but that was also the pre 9/11 days. Does
that still hold true, or is there going to be a big saturation of pilots
within the next 5 years or so. Because I don't want to spend all this time
and money and find out that I can't get a job.



Thanks again for your help, and again, any other suggestions or experiences
would be appreciated on any of this.



Dwayne Miller