This topic gives me a feeling of deja vu,  I have been in this very position. Initially, my wife and kids were in the US while I was shuttling ( about 4x/ yr) but it was very, very tough.  The psychological trauma, the stress and riks of frequent travels, the cost involved.  I have seen that kind of set up destroy marriages and split families.

My advice will depend on a lot of things. Pray and seek information. What is the average age of your kids? Are you ready to temporarily give up your ''big man'' status to become a ''common man''. What kind of opportunities are there for you and your wife in Canada or Naija? I know there seems to be a growing opportunity in the Canadian Oil and Gas sector right now. How many years do you have left with your Naija employer before you are due for any kind of early retirement? Can you afford to take up to 1-2 years of leave (usually without pay) to test the waters? Do you have reliable friends or family who could provide you with the initial foothold in Canada? So many questions, It could be extremely frustrating if you have to do odd jobs to survive.

I was writing all the relevant exams and seeking opportunities while travelling up and down - I'm also a Healthcare Pro. Thank God, I eventually had to take some time off the Naija Oil job ( I yr unpaid absence) to really look for a comparable job which I found and then had the courage to quit the Naija job to stay with my family. Sometimes its not only money, but the future benefits to your kids and the desire to be a global player among other reasons inform the current wave of emigration from Africa.

Good Luck and best wishes to your friend !!