The thing is...they are CIC deputed agency and can be trusted for this sort of info sharing.
In my understanding, CIC may already have given them some limited (viewable etc) access to applicant's database so whenever there is a request for participation in a session they can crosscheck if the given stats are correct and application is on the final stages of processing
Otherwise many of our folks would like to go there even before applying (u know 'us')
For timing, usually they close the session once people are done with their questions and it can vary from group to group and place to place.
The lady facilitating sessions is a grounded person and knows a lot of practical stuff about living there which most of us would like to learn about
Would suggest you to participate
??