Just to clarify some aspects which may help.
As I had my CBSA notes, I was aware that my application was stuck at the CIO in Sydney Nova Scotia. Therefore, when I raised a webform query (not through the account, but through this link
https://secure.cic.gc.ca/enquiries-renseignements/case-cas-eng.aspx?mission=sydney), I could contact the relevant office as opposed to sending a generalized request that may dissolve in cyberspace.
The strange aspect of this was that though this query went to the VAC in Sydney, Australia and I received a generalized COVID response from them, I also received a response from the CIO, Sydney Nova Scotia.
Note again the following:
1. I was aware of which office to contact
2. I knew details of what had happened on my file, where, when and even the agent number who authorized the same with a relevant document reference number.
3. Knowing that the GCMS system had registered my application as "approved", I provided relevant details to the Visa Office.
I do believe that it was only due to the fact that I knew these things that I got a somewhat relevant response from the specific Office. I am hopeful they will take some action as details that I have are released through CBSA notes. Had I not ordered these notes, I wouldn't know who to contact and would not have had facts, backed up by evidence and reference numbers which even CIC cannot refute.
My suggestion would be to have these details before you contact preferably the relevant office in CIC referring to hard facts, which may elicit a direct response.
That being said, I am still waiting, just like everybody else here. Hopefully this will be resolved in a positive manner.