This will help new applicants, sure - but what about those of us still sitting here. IN CANADA. It is what it is at this point, however, I have no work permit, blowing through cash like it is going out of style, giving 15% HST on everything I buy, and nothing to show for it except for a medical card. Heck, I will roll over to Ottawa and then quarantine back here if they can help. I have a citizenship for my kid sitting in Sydney for over a year, even offered to come pick it up.You're right in that the express entry draw (the 27k+ under the most recent 'draw') was, it seems, almost entirely targetted at in-Canada/Canadian experience.
The announcement was vague, but I think worth noting - and being glad - that the pressure seems to have at least had effect of getting them to increase resources for spousal apps. And outland ones at that.
I agree, how effective it will be and particularly at 'unlocking' the hold-ups at some visa offices remains to be seen. But 60+ staff at Sydney is significant.
And I think the suggestion about message remains: if they want to focus on applicants who WILL immigrate and land, spousal is one of the classes that is worth devoting resources to.