It's important to note that the introduction of the 4/6 rule by the Conservatives created a slump in incoming applications, which enabled CIC to process the backlog faster, as the number of new applications was cut so dramatically after the cutover. The Conservatives did not add more resources to process applications faster, they stopped the inflow of new applications by changing the rules. Thus the current speedy application process provides a very false picture of what can be expected in the future, even if we keep the 4/6 rule.
While changing the rules back would open the flood gates to those who would have been allowed to apply for citizenship earlier, had the 4/6 rule not been introduced, in the long run, we would only be returning to the processing times we experienced before the 4/6 rule came into effect.
It should also be noted that the Conservatives exacerbated the backlog by (i) dramatically increasing the rigour by which applications were vetted; (ii) cutting the CIC budget, which resulted in worker layoffs; (iii) cutting CIC employee pay and benefits and acting "in bad faith" during union negotiations (according to a Federal judge), which damaged morale; and (iv) created an atmosphere of fear to intimidate public employees and citizenship judges, which also affected morale.
CIC workers do an oustanding job without adequate resources or government encouragement -- they are to be applauded and supported with larger budgets and greater resources.
