You still haven't crossed the estimated processing time. I think you're a couple of days away from it. Do send the email on Friday/Saturday
When I had applied the estimate was 20 days. I see it has crept up to 23 days now. Very strange and I agree with Manini that this much wait is really strange for a western country. I have had Schengen visa for Europe granted within 3 days in the past.
Now I don't know if I should cut my losses and try to get refunds for my flight ticket and course or wait it out till the last second.
The CAN+ Visa that you are mentioning never heard of it.
You should maybe try emailing them and sending the web form to request your application be considered under CAN+. That way you at least have a reason to jump the queue. From the reply I have got it seems nothing short of a health emergency is a reason otherwise.