It's not that uncommon to pull $100k+ if you're solid with co-op background. 5 years out of undergrad I was in the $145k base range (more with bonus).
The real trick in Canada (especially smaller markets like Calgary) is to be an independent contractor... talented guys pull in $95-110 per hour (minus 10-15% if you need a broker), $150-175 per hour or more if you're in a specialty with big demand. HR departments here lag the USA and can't accept what techs are worth.
I'm independent, with my own company; my current long term client is in transportation.
Many brokers (i.e. corporations that handle administrative matters for you as an independent, such as liability or E&O insurance, invoicing & payment, etc.) are regional. The ones I deal with are in Western Canada these days, such as SI Systems, Brightspot, Inti Solutions, or Quadrus.
The real trick in Canada (especially smaller markets like Calgary) is to be an independent contractor... talented guys pull in $95-110 per hour (minus 10-15% if you need a broker), $150-175 per hour or more if you're in a specialty with big demand. HR departments here lag the USA and can't accept what techs are worth.