Andy,
Yes you are right, earlier it was late but now consuming time, In last 2 months no one has got MR or PPR from CVO. We are guessing the delays are due to the probable student visas time and refuges matters.
Hopefully in January since we are now near to year end holidays. And regarding submission of passport as my consultant has told me too since I am not in india that when the PPR comes, they can make a request for our passport submission to the nearest Canadian embassy where we live. He said this is not a problem. Only thing that this can cause you another few days delay.
Congratulations on the baby and good luck further.
Regards,