I live and been working in MTL my whole life, 45k is a Junior salary.For 8years of experieces, as you said, is low. A standard offer for your level will be 2-3week vacation and at least 55-60K. This is standard for mid to AAA studio.
even 55-60k still seems a bit low for 8 years experience, but then again most companies will lowball you. 45k is pretty laughable, especially if its a larger company making you an offer. but also, depends on the strenght of your portfolio. get ready to be ass raped by taxes here.
55 would seem a bit more fair to me purely from the info you've given us, but you know, it's extremely hard to judge. I can just second that even on 45 you can survive quite all right especially if you're single. But it doesn't mean that you shouldn't seek what you feel is fair compensation. Glassdoor is really helpful…