From an American standpoint, as far as imported English beers, they aren't that bad, but then there aren't that many. And since WellAdjusted lives in Canada (I think), her selection will be similar to mine in Michigan. Here, the best brews you can get in the area widely are mostly German, Belgian, Scottish or Irish. But for the most part, I drink many things from breweries in America. Obviously not the super cheap domestics like Budweiser, Coors or Miller, which are all pisswater, but stuff from Magic Hat, Bell's, Rogue Brewery, Sam Adams, and tons of other microbreweries that aren't really so micro. As far as Canadian beer goes, I'll take an ice cold Molson Canadian any day of the week, it's a good lager, and much better than Labatts.

Edit: Good beers to start off with for someone who isn't used to drinking heavier beers are IPA's, lagers and pilsners.