Canadian fees is relatively on the lowest spectrum among other immigration programs. Have a look at Australia's fees. For a spouse sponsored PR, you have to pay ~$4800. Yup, it is that high. Canadians do not mooch fees at nearly any opportunity they can grab though; they could have had entry fees for EE to up the barrier for entry; there is also no fees for Provincial nominations too. They just put a fees on other work permits too; but the fees is under $200. Yes, it is a money grab but it is justified too and I feel it is nominal. It could be lot worse.