When an inland PR application is not "straight-forward" for any reason, CPC-Vegreville will transfer it to your local CIC office and it becomes subject to that office's processing timeline. Apparently the local office in Calgary is taking about 18 months to process applications. I suspect your file was transferred because you overstayed your temporary status in Canada - most foreign nationals are not authorized to stay in Canada for the year that you say you've stayed. If that's the situation, it explains why they transferred your file before giving you first stage approval, and authorizing a work permit.
There really isn't anything you can do - if you leave Canada now you forfeit your inland PR application because you have to be in Canada, residing with your sponsor, in order to be approved. If you can't get back into Canada, you lose the ap. You also won't be able to work, and you won't be eligible for health benefits until they assess you for first stage approval.