it can be requested, but only from some applicants. It is NOT required at the time of application. CIC makes this perfectly clear: "Do I need to provide a Police Certificate with my Application for Permanent Residence? No"
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/security/police-cert/north-america/canada.asp
CIC does it's own name-based checks for ALL applicants. Only if a record is returned for someone with the same name as you, will you get a request for a fingerprint based RCMP check.