I'm in the same boat. Where in Canada are you going to school?
I was able to get an interview at TD Waterhouse for an internship, more specifically in Private Investment Advice. They said no after my first interview (due to lack of funding for a summer student, so they said) and I went on looking for something else. I got a call yesterday and they want me back for more interviews on Friday, so even though I thought that was done, turns out I was wrong. Funny how that happens.
I had an 'in', if you want to call it that. A friend of mine is 'well off', and he put in me touch with his account manager. Account manager put me in touch with the branch manager, and I got an interview after 2-3 weeks of calling him.
Networking is where it's at. Of course they will look at your background, but getting in the door is the hardest part. If you have a large interest in the area, meet with other people who share your passion. You will learn from them and meet more and more people along the way.
Good luck!