I consider it to be a good positive step. At-least, they confirmed that 2016 quota has been exhausted. Obviously, we can see from OINP groups in this portal on the nominations. This shows that there is quite a high demand for this category. Hence, the province based authorities would take a note of it while negotiating for the 2017 quota. In my personal opinion, this quota for 2017 is already given to them in Nov/Dec 2016. It may be that they are internally distributing among different programs of PNP.
They will continue processing old application and will nominate. However, they will use the figures of 2017. Seems to me that they will not start the new applications atleast for couple of more months - may be till February, 2017. They may initiate the online application from March 2017.
Also, this timeframe will give the fedral government to reduce the crowding in the 400-459 group. In next three/four draws till end of February, the score may drop to 440 level or to 435 level. Hence, they can use the HCP stream for the rest of the candidates in EE.
They will continue processing old application and will nominate. However, they will use the figures of 2017. Seems to me that they will not start the new applications atleast for couple of more months - may be till February, 2017. They may initiate the online application from March 2017.
Also, this timeframe will give the fedral government to reduce the crowding in the 400-459 group. In next three/four draws till end of February, the score may drop to 440 level or to 435 level. Hence, they can use the HCP stream for the rest of the candidates in EE.