Doc, I get your point entirely. I continue to be amazed at the ineptitude of Canadian federal/provincial/municipal government organizations and their policies!

It reminds me of a book I recently read, of a Canadian who served in Britain's Royal Marine Commandos a few years ago. He initially applied to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces, and waited weeks, then months for any reply (checking and inquiring about his application numerous times during the process). Exasperated, he applied to Britain's Royal Marine Commandos through the  Commonwealth act/agreement and he received acknowledgement and recruit documents in 'just a few days'. He readily joined and proudly served his enlistment term in another countries armed forces !