you could always claim refugee status to short circuit the system ( probably not an option ). If you have a sponsor for your application it might go quicker, when I came hear to work for Canadair the whole process took less than a year as I recall. The quickest way is if you are business class , ie you can show you have enough money and experience to start a business here , these claims are expedited and could take less than 6 months. There are certain occupations that are in short supply that will also get expedited treatment , Try
www.settlement.org for some useful info and links to other immigration sites.