Hi Toolman19562 ----
Thanks for your reply and sorry for your loss. With legit proof, there really should be a 'compassionate grounds' clause in the process - and an emergency number @ CDN Immig. The whole immigration issue seems so strict yet critically mismanaged at the same time - i'm not sure if this is by nature or by design - the number of applicants must be in the 10s' of thousands. It is in desperate need of organisation - and seems to be enough $$ ($1000+ per app.) to put some structure in place. we're on the outside, so who knows. just an observation.
some good news...since our post, my wifes' mother made a temporary recovery and is presently comfortable. miraculously, the Perm Residency also showed up a couple of weeks back - and so we're officially free to travel. took ages, some wrong moves, multiple certificates, visa extension, Dr. exams, etc..etc.....but finally we're holding status. PR app. started July/Aug 2009 - received PR Jan 2011
Good luck all - bare with it.
cheers, J.