PhD Economics in Canada : Do GRE scores matter ??

[gradeconomist]

I was willing to post this thread for quite sometime but couldn't really make it. I did MA Economics from York University and applied this year for PhD Economics (international student) and undergrad from a developing country (top rank within country). I applied for PhD to some middle tier Canadian schools this year and not very hopeful about outcome. I wish to apply to same set of schools next year along with some US schools , if I don't get in this year.. But the question How I can improve my profile to get into these Canadian schools ? After finishing MA , I came back to my country and started teaching as a Lecturer at the department I graduated from. Currently I am teaching Introduction to mathematical economics and advanced mathematical economics. There is a widespread belief that, since for admission GRE scores are not required for Canadian MA, even if you submit the scores they don't really look into it. Is it true ? Because only things I can do now to improve my profile is to have a good GRE score and have some decent research. Can you please advise what I can do now to improve my profile ? and is it really true that GRE scores do not matter for admission if you have Canadian MA ? and is it really a good idea to apply to same set of schools with GRE, if you get rejected once. guys ...please help Thanks

[8675309]

I know that GRE scores do help at the top end of Canadian schools (SFU and above) however they are not requried for students with undergrads from Canadian school's, and occasionally U.S. schools. How was your performance at York?