Spousal Sponsorship

I really hope someone can shed some light on this situation as I'm beginning to tear my hair out!

I have been with my common-law partner for 18 months. He is a Canadian citizen and has been living and working in the UK for the past year on a working holiday visa. I am a British citizen and we would like to immigrate to Canada towards the end of the year (his visa expires in January 2009). Although we have established he is eligible to sponsor me, and I am eligible to be sponsored, there is the question of proof of funds. As he has been living here and working sporadically (between travelling around) he has not earned the required $25,000 in the past year. I have been earning considerably more than that and have savings. Could we get around this by using my money? I plan to work as soon as I get to Canada (although I assume most people claim that!)

Can anyone advise me on our situation? Or point me in the right direction of a good, legal immigration lawyer?

Thanks in advance...