The WireCutter review on tables puts the Carbon in 1st place for the last few years, only surpassed by the AT because it's cheaper. But I don't think the AT is nearly as good a starter table, as the components (arm, base, plinth, etc.) aren't nearly as nice, and the upgradable parts (cartridge) are also better right out of the box on the Pro-Ject.
But PLEASE do shipping to Canada! We need our music to keep us warm, eh!
tculpepper - NAD makes a nice, cheap phono stage with USB out - the PP4, which goes for ~$200.