welcome Wu-Gwei, sounds like we are in the same boat. lol, only it is my husband that is afraid of herps. After a couple years of negotiating I got him to compromise with lizards if I didn't get any snakes.
I started with a couple sals and now I have 9 bearded dragons, 20 leopard geckos, 4 fat tails, a spanish newt, a tree frog, and a blue tongue skink.
Hope I didn't forget anyone there. ha ha. The blue tongue was one of my last investments. And when I brought it home and took it out of the carrier he shreeked and said "Put that snake thing back in the box!" lol.
He also gave me my own herp room so he doesn't have to see the herps too often.
Maybe you could start your wife off slow with a nice little cuddly leo. o> Their smile winnes over some of the best.
Anyway, just wanted to wish you and your wife a warm welcome to ssnakess, and welcome back to Canada.