I don't think he's approved.  If he was approved, he would have got a letter from Vegreville saying his partner was approved as a sponsor, and he can apply for an open work permit/study permit.  There is some reason that the local office is processing now.  It would have also said on e-cas that the application was completed etc.
Richmond, if your wife is the sponsor, that means: on YOUR e-cas, it shows processing of application for Permanent Residence earlier, and just now, they are evaluating your wife's sponsorship info/eligibility.  This further proves that you will hear from them soon.