My results were finally posted. If anyone wants to commiserate, I understand. Whatever it is, SSHRC seems to have very different criteria than most other granting agencies. So, if you got rejected don't despair. In my experience, success with SSHRC doesn't correlate to success elsewhere.
I'm a PhD candidate (year 4) and this was my last year to apply. Thankfully, I don't really need SSHRC this year. I managed to get a 48 000 CAD scholarship from a Japanese granting agency for the next academic year, and I had 45 000 CAD from an American agency this past academic year. Prior to those major grants, I've had over 20 000 CAD in small grants from outside agencies. My applications have been well received by the SSRC, Japan Foundation, JSPS, among others.
I'm not saying this to brag but to show that SSHRC must have some baffling criteria. This is the first time I've actually gotten a numbered score -- the previous three attempts I didn't make SSHRC's first cut. Now, I am blessed with a number: 6.5/20 !