I think there is some way to make them talk using MP (Minister Of Parliament) option if they exceeded the normal processing time stated.It's been 18 months and each and every time I have contacted them got the standard reply from their side (last 3-4 times)
https://lop.parl.ca/sites/ParlInfo/default/en_CA/People/parliamentarians to find your MP and the MP can contact CIC based on the power vested on the MP to enquire the status.
I got this from a search, dont know if anyone has exercised this option.
On another note, its not fair that applications from Quebec are being delayed at the Federal Stage and other EE applications are processed faster. Is there a logical explanation on why this is happening ?