Easiest way, hands down, is to marry a Canadian. (What my wife did). Preferably one whom you have some interest in. Other family-class immigrants (children, parents etc of Canadians) get the same fast-track approval without going through the point-system assessment.

Canadian immigration policies have actually done dick-all to reduce unemployment which is almost always higher than in the U.S. Since the qualifications of a lot of highly-educated immigrants are not recognized in Canada, many of them are driving cabs, working in restaurants etc--can you say "cheap non-unionized labour pool"?

Canadian high-tech companies are, as elsewhere, desperate to attract and keep skilled employees, and if you have such skills (Particularly in software development and telecommunications) and some experience getting a job offer and a company to apply for your work visa won't be difficult.

Rumour has it they're thinking of rejigging the whole immigration-points system, but don't hold your breath.

Willie-O