Learned a few things since our initial conversation about car seats that I'd like to add:

1) It is *illegal* to use a car seat purchased outside of Canada in BC – so my mother can't buy us a model from where she lives in Seattle and we can't indulge in cross-border carseat shopping (even if the brand is also found in Canada). According to a rep at ICBC's Child Car Seat Information Line, 1-877-247-5551, if you're found in violation, you're fined $109 on the spot. So whether you're buying new or used, make sure the Canadian safety stickers are found on your chosen car seat.

Forgot to ask about insurance coverage implications but I suspect it wouldn't bode well. Here's the summary of parents' legal obligations regarding car seats in BC: http://childseatinfo.ca/72.aspx

2) If you deliver your child and do not have a way to transport your baby home in your car, the hospital will most likely connect you with a local rental company that they'd recommend for infant carriers. Here are three that service the Greater Vancouver area:

Baby’s On The Go
http://www.babysonthego.com/equipment_vancouver…

Petite Passengers
http://www.petitepassengers.com/catalog/index.p…

Wee Travel
http://www.weetravel.ca/products/carseats.shtml