If you are in YYZ I would follow the advice above and go in person. I needed one last winter but had an overseas trip coming up just before. I mailed in all the stuff and it took 10 full days. What's even more frustrating is that the consulate in YYZ doesn't answer phones, doesn't reply to faxes and doesn't reply to e-mails so if you want info on the progress of your application you are SOL. I was so concerned I wouldn't be able to make a business trip without a passport I got my MP to call the Embassy in Ottawa to get some action. You'd think they didn't want people to visit their country.