Welcome to CLF, Onboard! You will love it here!
And you really do have a very smart and very wise TA!! 
I've read through all the information submitted and it appears that you can apply for a Temporary Resident Permit. Here's the link; Consulate General Seattle :: Visas and Immigration :: Persons who are inadmissible to Canada
Since you have plenty of time before you have to make your final committment, I would suggest doing what you need to do to get through your legal problem and then afterwards, submit the paperwork for this permit. Perhaps it would help to have your attorney submit a letter along with the permit explaning the circumstances. And then see what happens.
What's strange is that when we went to Vancouver in July to do an Alaskan cruise, it was basically a very quick and nonchalant process. Didn't hear or see anyone being detained.
Good luck with this and let us know what happens.
Pete |