Upfront medicals are no more accepted for SOWP from Dec 2016 onwards. You have to first submit the application and cic will ask for medicals once your application reach a stage where they are satisfied with all docs and about to approve your application. In all the cases I know so far, if they call for medicals, you are almost approved.
Thanks for the reply, asdfgh123.
Information as given on cic website, see below:
For tremporary residents (visitors, sudents, and workers), up-front medical examination can be done before submitting the application; a copy of the IMM 1017B
Upfront Medical Report form will be given by doctor. See "Get your exam befor your submit your application" section in the link below.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-temp.asp
Applications for Permanent Residency (spousal sponsorship program) do not need up-front medial, which came into effect on December 15, 2016 (as you noted). See, Get your exam before your submit your application" section link below
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/medical/medexams-perm.asp
SOWP would fall under the temporary residency application, right? So up-front medical should be allowed or maybe I am wrong.
I have sent an email to Max Hospital and VSF for clarification, and I will call cic, but in the end the medical examiners would have to agree.