B737NOTGOOD,
I suppose lots of ideas get kicked around in government but I haven't heard of anything as specific (Canadian pilots) as you describe. Lots of scuttlebutt available but I don't think the situation here is as dire as what your Air Canada source describes. A US regional or two has taken a handful of Canadians but it's hardly enough to indicate a wave of desperation here.
There's this arrangement already on the books...certainly subject to change I suppose:
“You must have a U.S. company sponsor you for a green card. With the exception of the EB-1 (extraordinary ability), you cannot get a green card without a sponsor.”
“The EB-1 category is reserved for an exclusive group of people, and it likely will not apply to 99% of all applicants.”
Canadians in U.S.A. - Getting a Green Card