Everyone has been current the whole time (maybe a week late here and there) and they have taken care of our properties.That said, I know my story is not the norm and I do worry about the long-term implications of some of these government controls.

Social security will be considered income. 

Then I get this whole story about how they tried filing for COVID rent relief with New York State and support through Social Services and the previous owner didn't follow through with the paperwork, etc...., etc......I called the NYS COVID rent relief line and there is nothing on file for him or his girlfriend, therefore nothing is in place concerning a COVID declaration that I would need to adhere too and the deadline to file for assistance was 1 Feb 2021. 

I am curious what tax implications there will be as I become a Canadian resident.

I hadn't thought of the tax implications.

If the tenant does not agree to substantial lease increase in December then the space can again be empty at 1/1/2022.What are your thoughts on the pros and cons of short term leasing at 50% discount and specifically appraisal/tax implications of such a move?

And if you pay yourself, is that as an employee (taking out FICA, social security, etc., from your paycheck) or can you just take withdrawals from your business account? 

Some are just super grinders doing 100hrs a week or more, others are wiz of social media, some have family connections feeding them business, others are super experts at their niche (myself included) with 20+ years experience in it. 

What are the returns, appreciation, risk and tax implications compared to being a landlord?

They have many reasons showing lower than real inflation is helpful to the government. 1 it makes it seem like the economy and the politicians are doing better than they are. 2 It also means they can borrow money, bonds at a lower rate. 3 they increase social security and government pension based on inflation so if the inflation rate is lower it save billions by this points trillions of dollars.