I emailed buffalo this week, and it is the same old response. 

This is what their template for the detailed response to inquiries about long background checks looks like. (It really does not tell us anything we didn't already know):

"Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act is very explicit in requiring that all applicants' backgrounds be reviewed and that they be cleared of any involvement in espionage, terrorism, crimes against humanity, war crimes, serious criminality and organized criminality before immigration visas can be issued. These checks are carried out by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in collaboration with such partner agencies as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service and the Canada Border Services Agency and, as necessary, in cooperation with agencies of governments in other countries.

Because of the many agencies involved and the importance Canada places on these checks, their processing is often lengthy. While we do follow up regularly with our partner agencies, we remain dependant upon them to conduct the necessary research and investigations and provide us their findings.

We understand your concerns with the amount of time your file has been in process at this office, and your frustration with our inability to provide you with time frames for completion. We can only say that, once we receive positive results from our partners, we will proceed to the finalization of your file as expeditiously as possible.

In the meantime, we ask your understanding - and appreciate your patience."

there is some update in my case, I recieved a letter asking me to appear for interview in april. I did the medicals in feb 08, so it is close to 2 years.

no they did not mention. someone told me the interview after the BC is about every thing. an interview may go for hours asking about everything: education, work, family, ...etc.