Here's something you guys looking to shorten your wait times should read.
http://www.hical.ca/palrpalformtips.htm
I just got approved today, after being made wait for nearly 4 months. Over a month and a half ago i moved to the "finished initial processing" or whatever stage. I called 1-800-731-4000 repeatedly trying to figure out what i could do to speed things up. All they would tell me was that my application was sent to the AB CFO office and I'd just have to wait. I tried to get them to connect me to them and they told me they couldn't, so just wait and they will get to it.
Well if you're in AB call 1-800-731-4000, press 1 for English, then 1 again to enter an extension, 9026. that's the AB CFO. I was on the phone with a lady for about 2 mins while she looked me up in the system, did a backround check and boom she approved me over the phone. No need to wait, just give them a call.
Now i just gotta wait for it to be printed and mailed to me! WOOT
Good luck guys