Can I hire a Canadian? Living on the Internet Help!

Hi!

I own an American business registered in the states (sole proprietor) . My wife is a Canadian and we live in Canada. I run the business from home, online and earn USD. I'm on a Visa that allows me to work as an assistant pastor in Canada. We can up from the US to help a church. I don't actually get paid by the church, but would be allowed to do so.

Can I hire Canadians on a 1099 basis? I get people from overseas to do work for me, why not Canadians? Do you have a resource I can look at?

Thanks!