So to continue my timeline, I applied through Service Canada on the 30th of April, and in the same week got a new job which requires travel within a month... I waited until 10 business days before travel (24th of May), and called in. 144 attempts to break into the line, then another 186 spots into the queue. Took a little more than an hour once into the queue. Asked for file transfer, they asked if I had proof of travel. All I had was a letter from my employer stating that a training course was held in the US and that the start date was on the 6th of June.
They said they'd send a request for file transfer, and the next day I got a call from the local (Winnipeg) office to fax in proof, I used a computer program to fax for me, unfortunately there is no way of knowing whether they received it or not, so I tried to be patient. When I finally received the tickets I sent those as well to this fax number, but still no acknowledgement of receipt...
On Wednesday THIS week (less than 48 business hours) to travel, I called again, 103 attempt to break in, 86th in queue (perhaps things are easing up?) , and asked about status. They said the file was being worked on, but no guarantees, and to await a phone call either Thursday or Friday. Nothing Thursday, so I decided to go to the office Friday morning to be proactive. When I arrived at 815am the line was around the corner from the door, but not horrible, and I was in within 15 minutes of arriving, went in the first line, got to front, sent to line two... When I get to the window, she said there are no guarantees, but she'd look into it. Came back and said photos were scanned in badly at Service Canada, and could I get new ones.... So I ran a block to photo place, got new pictures, ran back, and she gave me a pickup time! 3.5 hours later. The moral is, I guess, if it's getting close to the rail, go check on the status if you can. nerve wracking sitting an waiting that's for sure!
So at the appointed time on Friday less than 36 hours before travel (Travel Sunday) I received my new Canadian Passport..
In brief
Applied 30th of April
Applied for transfer 24th of May
Status check 1st of June through phone queue
Went to office 3rd of June to check on status, and had to correct file, but later issued that day.