I didn't timestamp every step of the way, but Miramichi accepted my package on Nov 8 of 2017 and this Monday (Jan 22 2018) it changed online to issued. Will probably show up in my mailbox on Friday at this rate.

No references called. This was fairly quick despite being put on hold while waiting for the FSESO in Ontario signing off on my test results, and needing to update the credit card which was submitted with the application. Can't say I'm displeased with the timeline. Only calls I made to RCMP were to get information on where to fax my test results. After that I just bit my tongue and waited.