Isn't that closer to the way it is in the US, Sven? You have more of a lottery or "wait in line" system than a points system, right?
Not really. My medical degree (from a U.S. school, mind you) and written job offer got me to the front of the line. They look at "needs" e.g. if they need more doctors, they'll let doctors in. If you have a firm job offer from an American employer, that gets you in too (at least on a work visa status, after which you can apply for landed immigrant / permanent resident status). It IS much tougher to actually get citizenship in teh states than in Canada, however. Requires living here quite a long time. Of course, I married an American citizen so could get it easily enough if I were so inclined.