Generally yes.
What I have consistently heard is that universities in Canada rely on the most recent two years of high school. When I was a high school senior (in Montreal) most of us got admitted to Canadian universities based on our sophomore and junior years of high school. A few people who were right on the border line for admissions had the university ask for their mid term grades senior year. Freshman year of high school really did not matter. This was a long time ago, but I do not think that it has changed.
In terms of cost, for anyone with Canadian citizenship or permanent residence Canadian universities are likely to cost the same or more likely less compared to in-state prices at public universities in the US. This is even true for a Canadian citizen who has never lived in Canada (such as someone born in the US who has a parent who was born in Canada). For an international student prices can vary quite a bit. The most famous schools can ask for more probably just because they are famous. There are however quite a few very good universities in Canada and even for an international student some of them might cost pretty close to the in-state cost of some public universities in the US. Keep the exchange rate in mind (this is very favorable for someone living and working in the US who has a child studying in Canada). There are a few nationalities such as a citizen of France who get a break on prices at universities in Quebec.
Even the most expensive schools in Canada cost less for an international student compared to full price at most private universities in the US. Full need based financial aid generally does not happen in Canada.