Snag with Chinese-Canadian Visas for Teachers

My boyfriend and I have a contract to teach with a school in Wenzhou China. We have our plane tickets (feb.28 depart) and even "in-case" return tickets. We are getting our L-Tourist Visas first (province law for first time teachers) and then receiving work visas after arrival.
QUESTION- The Chinese Toronto Embassy stipulates that we require an appointment to get clearance but the online booking is completely full! For every Province!- SOO- what CAN WE DO?

. . .besides the obvious pillage by one of the consulate kiosks, grovelling to sell our souls for even a glimpse our way*haha