Originally Posted by pocketkangaroo

I'm sure Canada is quite different from the US, but I'm pretty sure the only viable option is to pay it. I don't think those amounts are worth fleeing the country and living as a fugitive for the rest of your life.

Your country wants you to pay and will probably work with you to pay it. In the US, they offer settlements as well as payment plans that can help. I would say I feel bad for you, but considering most of us here pay taxes and in many cases very high rates, you dug your own grave.