I don't know about Canada. In New York State, teachers are required to get a Master's degree for permanent certification. Salaries are quite good in the Long Island area; not as good in New York City. Don't know about upstate.
BUT, anyone who thinks it's an easy job should look for another line of work. All people see are summers off and what looks like short hours. They don't see the work that gets taken home, and if they think it's hard to deal with their own kids all day, they should try doing it with 25-30 students who have no respect for them. Never mind dealing with administrators who will support the students and parents before they will even listen to the teachers' side.
I hope it's different in Canada. It probably is. But don't choose this profession because of the salary. Don't choose ANY profession based solely on money. That's always a disaster.
Jon L: Yes, private schools pay MUCH less, but they are not getting the Federal and State funds that public schools get. And, frankly, despite what people claim, except in the very posh schools, I don't think the education is better because they don't have to meet as many state regulations. Also, experienced teachers jump ship to public schools to make more money, so they tend to have a young, inexperienced staff, or older teachers who weren't good enough for public schools. There are, of course, the dedicated few who stay because they love it and feel what they are doing there is important.