Canadian Tourist Visa for Thais

Does anyone know of any Thai wives of Canadian men who were able to obtain a visitor visa the first time? My wife's visa request was turned down even though we were able to meet all the requirements asked for on the government website. I have talked to several Canadian men and each one has told me their first attempt was a no go...I am wondering if this is common practice to automatically say no. Their reasons for refusal certainly flew in the face of the documents we provided.