To be very honest, at least in IT, unless you have confirmed PR, don't even bother searching for jobs. Even with VISA in hand, it will be extremely difficult and rare to get interview calls unless you are physically present in Canada. And I think it is quite natural that hiring managers would like to meet someone in person before offering a job. The recruitment process is costly and time consuming, employers would not want to risk with interviewing someone on the other side of the world when there are hundreds of local candidates applying.
I am not discouraging you or anything, just trying to explain the practicality. Think it this way,99% of IT workers don't do anything extra ordinary, so what is the incentive for an employer to hire you over someone who is already here.