Hi newbie,
From my experience, as I am a mentor and have a mentor myself, have you actually looked into the concept of acquiring a mentor to show you the ways?
Even if you are not in the position of a BA/Junior BA, your development starts from the day you wake up (if not before) and say, "I want to be a BA". All your skills of looking at problems, talking with people, looking at what you need to achieve specific goals etc etc, will all work for you. A mentor will help you master getting these thoughts into some order and using them in your future career. If in your current organisation, you have some Business Analyst's, simply approach them and ask them if they have the time to mentor you in becoming a Business Analyst, most of the time, they will be honored that you have chosen them.
In addition to working with a mentor, this person will then become an essential character referee, and they would have contacts etc. PMCLeod has mentioned that you attend the Toronto IIBA meeting which would be great to make contacts, you could also ask around one of these meetings for a mentor, or even a coach.
Good luck with becoming a BA, it is a great career and one where you can really make a difference.
Nathan