i don't know about other countries, but here in japan the embassy won't take any questions about pr visas by phone; you can only do it by email or fax. so those numbers on the link aren't very helpful, unfortunately.
i was thinking maybe you can call the local buffalo office long distance (it's really cheap through skype) if you can get up early enough in the morning to make the hours work out right... that's what i had in mind for calling toronto. the toll-free numbers don't work from abroad, but i imagine you could call the office directly.