Interesting, Whoopi.
But I note that one must go to a lawyer who in effect certifies the authenticity of the client's ID, in English. But if you are in a country where English is not the functioning language (Costa Rica and China, for example), and where lawyers and notaries may not certify foreign documents (my situation in China), it would be much easier to avoid all this process and wait until landing in Canada. Again, a 30-minute meeting was all it took when I went to the bank in person in Canada.
All one has to do in advance is ask the originating bank how to make a transfer of money, from Canada, once the new account has been opened. The bank may baulk, but will expedite whatever paperwork is required when you insist.