The only way to avoid conflicting information in this game is to read the regulations for yourself! In most cases, a quick check of the regs will take far less time and energy than starting a thread on pprune to find the correct answer.
From CAO 40.2.1 Section 12:
12.2 Where an instrument rating has expired for a period of
less than 12 months, an applicant may qualify for issue of a rating by passing the instrument rating test
applicable to the renewal of a rating.
12.3 Where an instrument rating has expired for a period
in excess of 12 months, an applicant may qualify for issue of a rating by passing the instrument ratingtest
applicable to the initial issue of an instrument rating.