I can understand all the frustration here, but it seems to me like the following points are being ignored in the Alberta-bashing process:
1. The H1-B SRS program came into effect in May 2008, which means they envisioned it in beginning of 2008. They, like the rest of the world, had no idea that the global economy would take such a nosedive in the months to follow. Once the program was underway, they did not pull out (fortunately for us), regardless of the number of applications they received. This was supposed to be a pilot program which could be terminated at any time.
2. This program got tremendous response, beyond their wildest dreams. The trend from FSW would show that thousands of "highly skilled professionals" who have still not gotten the Green Card apply for Canadian PR as a backup only, with scores of approved applicants choosing to let their PR expire. However, now the applicants are more serious about Canada, and are looking to actually immigrate.
3. USCIS started clamping down on all the fake companies in the US, and throwing their sorry asses in jail. This just did not happen in the past. These "consulting companies" had been blatantly abusing the US Immigration laws for years. Since this pipeline has shrunk considerably, all the "consultants" applied for H1-B SRS program.
4. At the time of the launch of this program, crude oil was at its record high. AB's economy was booming, when the rest of NA was getting screwed by the gas prices.
5. AB's need for skilled professionals is projected over the next decade. Their needs are definitely not urgent. We applicants, on the other hand, need something to work for us real soon. This is the classic conflicting demand and supply situation. Funny that there is a glut of us "highly skilled professionals". Right now, we need AINP more than they need us.
6. Canada, like any other economy is in bad shape. Why would they issue PR's when their citizens are out of job? I am genuinely surprised that they have not pulled the plug yet. Obliviously, they are going to delay issuing Nominations and in turn PR's in this economy.
7. This program has been around since May 2008. I was blissfully ignorant of it until November when I stumbled upon some thread in an immigration forum. By the time I sent my application to AB, there were 500 guys in queue ahead of me. These 9 months I have lived in a fear that they might just shut this thing down, and retroactively too, if FSW's precedence was followed. Lets be honest, how much time did each of us take to mail the application after we became aware of this avenue? Some less some more. Those who acted proactively are in a good shape today.
My intentions are not to antagonize y'all. I understand your frustrations. I have been in the US for a long long time also, and am yet to smell the Green Card. I am only trying to make sure we are not just blaming AINP for things that are beyond their control. As far as I am concerned, AINP and also CIC for that matter, have been very professional and quick.
.... end of rant.