Honestly, I guess I don't really know what looking to learn now

. I started this thread just wondering about how other Canadians viewed the role of firearms but, logically, this has moved more into talking about self & home defence in general. As this isn't something I've thought too much about any input is welcome.
It seems to me that the best input I can offer is: you know what you need.
People who believe they are under threat are more likely to take the time and energy to acquire the necessary skills and tools to respond effectively. (The particular skills and tools depend on the context: obviously it would be quite stupid to carry a firearm in a city where carrying is a felony.) Without this motivation, most people can't really get anywhere, because the degree of commitment required is quite high. They buy a gun and a box of ammo, and then forget about them in a closet. They sign up for the hottest martial art, and quit after a few weeks. The people who think there is a real chance they will have to fight for their lives one day, will be committed and diligent.
So if you don't need to protect yourself, you may be less motivated. Of course, there are other forms of motivation besides the practical situation. Some people love to fight, and they enjoy learning and training, much the same way we like talking about gear and preparing for disasters. Maybe if you truly see combative training (with or without firearms) as an essential part of your preparation, being a dedicated prepper, you'll drag yourself to the range or to the dojo.
Don't do combative training for fitness. That's not really an efficient way. It's more about programming your body and mind, less about toning your muscles or burning fat. It helps to be fit, and that's why some martial artists are gym rats as well. On the other hand, it's my personal suspicion that greater body mass provides a more stable platform for shooting. That's why all these fat guys outshoot me.