We have respiratory therapy here in the U.S. I am currently in AA school with a respiratory therapist and it seems that anything to do with the airway and/or pulmonary issues, the respiratory therapists are the experts. I do not believe they receive or learn any "anesthesia" (other than airway techniques and ventilatory aide). The information I found about the AAs in Canada was at the following site...
It may be deceiving, but it comes across as if they are at the Anesthesiologist's throughout the case...to help him with maintenance and equipment issues. The AAs in the U.S. see the Anesthesiologist briefly for induction, and then again on emergence (always of course, within ear shot). If you have any more questions feel free to shoot me an email!