Obtaining PR, Comon Law Realtionship and Work Permit Question(s)

[Sharkus]

Hello all,
I've been working in Canada since April 2003 as an intra-company transferee. I've also been living with my girlfriend in a common law relationship since March 2005. I would like to apply for PR, and, if possible, obtain an "open" work permit.

I had a look around the CIC site and found the guide (IMM 5289) which seemed to be exactly what I was looking for.

Now for the questions:

 
I did phone CIC and the chap mentioned an open work permit, but what I wrote down does not make much sense (my fault I know ), so I'm unsure as to wether to send both applications in at the same time, or one first then the other?

Thanks for any information you can give