In Canvas messages, and specifically the Inbox, I have noticed that a number will appear on envelope on the left side of the screen, but messages do not show up unless the page is manually refreshed. As a point of comparison, in gmail, if you are online the new mail automatically shows up (without the need to refresh the page).

It seems Canvas is only part-way there. Let's get the rest of the way, please.

It seems like a little thing, but if you can make a number appear, why not actually load the messages at the same time.

Attached you will see what I mean from before and after a refresh of the page.