Last year, it took an applicant 13 weeks to get AOR out of CPC M, and 8 weeks or more was not at all uncommon. AOR timelines have always fluctuated. There is not timeline for AOR and people should not come to expect it. The only timeline given is a target to process 80% of applications within 12 months. Otherwise IRCC has no obligation to provide other updates like AOR within a certain time frame.Please see:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/welcome-syrian-refugees/looking-future.html
"This required special measures including the reassignment of staff from other departments."
Our application used to be handled quickly in Mississanga then we got transfered to the slower sydney office. 1+1=2. I fully support the Syrian refugees. But I do believe it is the main reasons why our applications are delayed.