Q: How do I transfer photos from a canon power shot to the iPad ?

You will need to import them to a computer first then sync them to your iPad.

Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes on your computer using USB - Apple Support

If the Canon is not Wi-Fi enabled you could purchase this adapter which will read the Canon card directly.

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJYT2AM/A/lightning-to-sd-card-camera-reader?a fid=p238%7CsKSP8osAh-dc_mtid_1870765e384…

I Have a different model of Canon camera but that lightning SD card reader works fantastic. The only 'catch' is after you import the photos you will be asked if you want to keep or delete them. So pay attention to the dialogue boxes.

And a plus over syncing them from a computer, photos imported onto your iPad are able to be deleted. Photos synced onto your iPad have to be synced off, which can be a bit of a pain if you suddenly need room or want to get rid of them.