I was following the NSERC when they received their results (just in case ours would be the same) and it seems like the initial email was by last name and the results email was by committee. I'm not sure if it'll be the same for us, but if it's like NSERC, we should receive the email for links today. Fingers crossed!
No, if they are unsuccessful, they will still receive it through the portal. The email is a notification that the results are posted in the portal. The status remains the same (I just checked). The only thing that will change when the results are ready is that you will be able to click on visualiser.
That's a long time to wait. I received the email around 3pm, but the results were at midnight. (I didn't get the award either). Hopefully we won't have to wait that long next week!
I would suggest when searching for schools to see if they have a residency requirement where you need to physically be at the university for a certain period of time. My PhD program has a 2 year residency requirement (the first two years). After that, it's up to student/advisor to negotiate. There are students in my cohort who moved after the residency requirement was complete and are finishing their program remotely.
You will be able to access the results when you log in. Go to the 'mes formulaires' where your application is. On the right side, the last column is 'documents attaches par l'organisme'. Right now it says visualiser, but you can't click on it. When your results are ready, the visualiser will become a link leading you to your letter!
Here is the link to the SSHRC website and the changes they are making to dates/deadlines. It states that release date for CGS-Master's Program has been moved from April 1 until April 15th. It's near the bottom of the page, under tri-agency programs. Maybe the date change wasn't made on the automated message, but I would check April 1st just in case!
And yes, I'm pretty sure they release all of the results at the same time.
https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/news_room-salle_de_presse/covid-19-eng.aspx
Here is a link to a news release on scholarships and grants (although it's in French). From what I understand, the board is having a virtual meeting the second week of April to make decisions on awards from recent competitions. The news release is for researchers, so I hope that includes us! The results for SSHRC doctoral is proceeding as planned, so I'm trying to be optimistic that FRQSC is as well.
http://www.frqsc.gouv.qc.ca/en/espace-presse/nouvelles-et-communiques/nouvelle/message-important-bourses-et-subventions-1xbj1yer1585247768573