If you can have an AR in Canada, there are several custom gun makers offering super accurate ARs. Check Clark Custom Guns, Wilson Combat, and Les Baer. Websites are easy to find and all advertise in various gun mags. All three of these are guaranteeing 1/2 M.O.A. Prices are ranging from $1300 to $2500. Another option is the Colt Accurized Rifle around $1200. Get a flattop and make sure it has a good trigger. All of this is assuming you want a long range shooter and not just a pop can plinker. The beauty of an AR though is for about $350 you can put a 16" upper on it for burning ammo on the plinking range.

If you can't have an AR, look at the tactical bolt actions like the Rem. 700 PSS or the Savage tactical.

Personally though, with $1500 to spend, I would buy the Savage in .308 for a long range rifle and a lesser expensive AR for a ammo eating fun gun.