Arg. I knew the rules were changing, and I thought they were changing on the 1st of July, so I got my application in a week before that... it turns out they changed the day before my application was "accepted", so it was denied, and I must live in Canada for another 2 full years before I even qualify to apply.

Normally that wouldn't be so bad, but I've just set off on two years around Africa, which means it's going to be a long, long time before I have 5 continuous years in Canada. Oh well, at least I can remain a permanent resident essentially forever.