I've heard a very low number for DEO/CEOTP pilot spots this year but it's expected to change later on as I understand it. The recruiting centre can probably give you better info as to what's going on today and it will probably be "all pilot slots are full for the year except ROTP and you missed the deadline for 08/09 entry, how do you feel about combat arms?"
All bases are/have been briefed about the large shortfall in trained pilots and plans are coming together to fully 'open the taps'. This isn't something that can happen next month though it's a multi year plan. The shortfall and training plan, as I understand it, is only going to maintain current levels despite being very agressive and a large shift in how things are done. Once the massive backlog of 2LT's on OJT all over the country starts to clear up expect the recruiting numbers to bump up as well. The 2LT's here that just finished BOTC tell me they're expecting around 5 years to wings. That needs to change before more people come through the door.
AC layoffs aren't in competition with you so don't even sweat it. I don't know any airline pilots that upon receiving a pink slip would sign up for 3-5 years of OJT at 45k/yr + have to go through basic training etc. Don't forget WestJet is still hiring and there's movement in the industry, it's just slowing down.The motivation to stay in and a handful who come back will just help to even out the expected experience losses over the next little while but not affect fresh recruits.
Hope this helps someone?