became a Canadian

[EasyRider]

I think it is mainly because his application was processed by an experienced Visa Officer so there were no complications.

No, that's mainly because his/her local office is Mississauga and no RQ. Under 12 months is a typical timeline there, check processing time:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/lv?key=0Ai9o70015IRPdFl6MnhXV0VZbnN1YnZWLXpld0Vya1E&type=view&gid=4&f=true&colid0=1&filterstr0=Mississauga&sortcolid=-1&sortasc=true&rowsperpage=250