So I called CIC this morning to inquire about my application (which was received on January 7th, 2013). Got a really nice officer. I asked him if he could tell me whether my file had been 'opened' yet or not, and he said no (sigh). He said he was shocked to see it wasn't. He also said that this should have been done within 28 days of AOR. I almost had a heart attack, but he was super nice and said he was going to send a message to the office in Vegreville about my file and to ask to 'expedite' that for me... whatever 'expedite' means for a CIC officer! hahaha.
He also said he was going to write a note on my file for the next office I'd speak with in the future to know what he did, and also asked me to call back again in a month and to check that they've done what he's requested them to do.
I am so glad I called today, though last time I spoke with a CIC agent (on the 6th moth mark after my application was sent), the officer I spoke with then never mentioned any of that

anyway... I am glad this guy was there to speak with me today and hope he's helped to rush things for me... at least to have my file opened for goodness sake!
So... even though I'm on the first ones of January applicants, I may not get an answer in a while? or maybe I will? I am still not sure what to make of today's call. Just felt so disappointed to hear they hadn't even determined whether I am a candidate or not (which according to this officer, is the first time they do).
Ahhhhhhhh...