If you entered the Forces since the files became digitized and you request a CD version of your files it can happen relatively quickly (1-2 months). If your career spans the paper and digital time frames then you could receive both a paper and a CD version of the relevant information. It is also possible to request copies of digital X-rays, DVD of CT/MRI scans. Sometimes you are better to ask for files from a specific time period if you are dealing with a disability claim or a post-release medical appointment. You can submit two separate release of personal information requests. Often all of the scanning and review of your health/medical information is not completed as of your last day in uniform.
After the date that CFHIS (Canadian Forces Health Information System) went digital, the pre-existing paper files were not subsequently scanned into CFHIS. Only new enrollees' files and new documents became digital files. In my case no one would have been expected to scan two volumes of paper files dating back 20 years and correctly save each medical document into the correct folder in CFHIS.
So, it is not quite as easy as SSMax describes, you can't usually/always expect to walk up to a counter (or make a phone call) asking for a file, they make a copy and you walk away 5 minutes later. The "delays" people are describing result from the fact that each document (paper or digital) in your medical file still needs to be reviewed to ensure you are not receiving someone else's medical or personal information and that every document up to your last health encounter is available. A qualified health records person needs to verify the integrity of your medical file (the same as they do when you ask for a copy of your personnel file).
It has nothing to do with contacting your last provider because the health records custodian is not a medical practitioner (MD, MO, Nurse, PA etc). There is a senior health records person in each clinic that is the actual maintainer/guardian/custodian of the paper and digital file. They have to sign off on the release of personal information and are held accountable should you receive someone else's personal information.