Call CIBC in if you want your annual fee reversed.

I just called and took less than 5 mins. Asked what the status of the switch was, and when they would let us know. Then told them that I didn't appreciate the uncertaintly caused by all of this with the switch, or the fact that CIBC is playing games with our accounts... and I'd like to be refunded the annual fee as compensation.

It's the truth and a more than reasonable request. Agent apologized quickly and agreed to reverse the charge. Didn't even need to escalate to manager.