So, I can't account for any kind of VAT that one might incur when importing a guitar from the States into Canada, nor can I account for any disparity between the currencies.
Still, there are things out there like this full gloss Studio for around $1k American:
https://reverb.com/item/40581484-gibson ... -2006-ohsc
And if you were willing to go with one of the colors that Gibson cranked out by the thousands over the decades, the Burgundy, black or white, then the sky is the limit there.
I'm not super into Les Pauls, and would much rather have the Deluxe that is mentioned on this thread, but my belief is that it's a guitar that any guitar player would want to have available. Just a ubiquitous sound, you know? Nothing does what a Les Paul does better.
Personally, though, since I'm not all that into Les Pauls, I'm content with my Studio.
So I'm not arguing against the Les Paul, just step up in quality to the full gloss coat that Gibson does well so you'll have an instrument that will last. Those satin and matte finishes that Gibson (and others) make are designed to look good hanging on the wall of the store and then never again.
On the other hand, though, that 12 string is cool and I could see someone finding that every bit as useful as any Les Paul. And unlike Les Pauls, the 12 string Fenders will not be around forever, sooner or later all the guitars will end up in the hands of folks who want to keep them and the price will rise, unless Fender just keeps making them forever, which they have basically never done.
So maybe you get the 12 string now, it might actually appreciate in a few years, and you can always get a low end Les Paul down the road- they aren't going anywhere.
Back in those days, everyone knew that if you were talking about Destiny's Child, you were talking about Beyonce, LaTavia, LeToya, and Larry.