I was so curious about this that I actually took a look at the site he mentioned (tvfool) and tried to see what channels were available in Calgary where I live.

The three 3 oligarchies (Rogers x 2, Bell/BCE, Corus), CBC and a religious network. CBC doesn't even broadcast the NHL finals [1].

At this point, what's the point? Renting Blurays at the library is much less annoying (even when they skip at pivotal scenes).

[1] Incidentally, the actual broadcaster for the playoffs, Sportsnet, is a morally compromised network that specialises in showing gambling ads to children. Shame, but unsurprising given Canada's business "culture".