As a fellow Canadian I certainly understand some of the challenges you face with respect to finding some of the brands which are so frequently spoken about on GJ. The moment you factor in shipping into Canada, brokerage and taxes there just isn't enough meat left on the bone to make it worthwhile ordering out of the US. Couple this with the hassle if you have to warranty the item. I have long since did all of the cost analysis and realized that for a ratchet, considering ease and speed of warranty, durability and the satisfaction index, Snap-On is not that out of whack. That said you really can't beat Crappy Tire because you could afford to buy every shape for the same money and the warranty is just as easy and reliable for hand tools.
In my fishing seminars and on the radio show, I often get asked the same question regarding really expensive tackle. Ultimately it depends on your budget and what you are able to buy, remembering that if a gold plated hammer prevents you from being able to afford nails, then maybe a less expensive hammer would have been a better purchase.
I am sure you probably have been checking out kijiji (Like CL in Canada) and for an alternative Babco has the Armstrong locking flex 1/4" ratchet (10-994) that most seem to think is superior to the Snap-On equivalent for $53. Or as another thread has identified, you could purchase the Bogo deal including the torque sockets, TL72, FL80 and sell what you don't want. I confirmed from my Snappy guy that it's the same price up here (~270$).
My choice would be for the TL72, price and everything else ignored. It's just long enough to help but not too big to defeat the purpose of 1/4".
