The most powerful corporations in Canada are the banks (TD, Royal, CIBC, Scotia, and National). They control all the organizations that deal with the securities markets in Canada.
Unfortunately Canada's business environment resembles Russia's in this regard. The big 5 throw their weight around and bury any competition. IB and Datek have been attempting to get in for a while now. Both are large established US companies. There is absolutely no legitimate reason why they have to prove anything to Canadian regulators. They already answer to a much more powerful regulator, the SEC.
Current avg minimum commission through a bank brokerage $29
Ib's commission 1 cent/share with a $1 minimum
Datek minimum commission $9