No. You're completely wrong. This is a documented and simple thing. It is in the government's own instruction manual:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigratio...rtner-dependent-child-complete-guide.html#who
Where you will see the simple and plain language: "Apply under the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (note: this means 'inland') if your spouse or common-law partner: lives with you in Canada.
They couldn't make it more plain. This is a specific requirement, living together.
It's stated even more specifically in the immigration regulations (that are referenced directly in the instructions I ref'd above):
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/page-18.html#h-687616
"Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class
123 For the purposes of subsection 12(1) of the Act, the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class is hereby prescribed as a class of persons who may become permanent residents on the basis of the requirements of this Division.
124 A foreign national is a member of the spouse or common-law partner in Canada class if they
(a) are the spouse or common-law partner of a sponsor and cohabit with that sponsor in Canada; "
I think, barring any further idiocy and obstinance, we can consider this settled.
