According to reports, the government wants to introduce a temporary permanent residence, called “conditional permanent residence”, for those coming to join their spouses. The temporary residence will be valid for two years. the spouse will have only a temporary permit for two years, and the full permanent residence will be granted only after two years of living with the spouse who sponsored.
if they are issuing temporary residence then processing time should be 1 week only not 8-24 months.
http://smartcanadian.ca/2011/03/29/visa-rule-for-sponsored-spouses-to-change/
http://www.siskindsimmigration.com/canadian-spousal-visa-rules-changing-minister/