@Deathwing
I think all of Canada's military at this point were militia with many of the officers being British. I'm not sure if there are any British troops stationed in Canada but it should take a month or fewer for troopships to reach Canada from Britain.
Sending British troops to Canada does mean that British seem themselves as being threatened with war with any of the factions (like OTL Trent Affair) or are serious about intervening in the war. I think Britain instead of Canada would be more appropriate for the player since Canada is not an independent country yet. This could also expand the war to the Caribbean as Britain also has bases there. I'm not sure if the British would intervene though, since the Crimean War is about to end if it hasn't already and the Indian Mutiny occurs next year.
@Texan
I'm considering joining but since it would be my first time playing a role-playing game I'm not sure how to proceed.
On another note, will France and possibly Spain and Russia be involved to a limited degree?