You live in Canada, I highly recommend looking at all spas that are well insulated. It's not a question of which one is better, full foam is 100% a better way to insulate if you care about energy efficiency.
However, if you are stuck on perimeter insulation, I'd look at Artic far ahead of MAAX. I believe Artic's insulation would do a far greater job of keeping the heat you generate close and within the hot tub.
Regarding what controls each one uses and jets/jet pumps. It comes down to how the jets feel. If you have poor water chemistry, the jets will fail, regardless if they are waterway or not. Balboa makes a great pack, but I'm sure Artic's is every bit as reliable, and probably functions just as good if not better since it is made for their spa. I mean shoot, my freeflow spas have gecko packs or balboa packs depending on the year, but that is hardly a selling feature. who cares? As long as it works!