Open Work Permit - husband already has 3 years in Canada, Max 4?

[Popowich]

I just read that work permits are only allowed for four years. I know the pilot project for spouses through sponsorship is very new, but any idea if this will allow a person's spouse to work the entire time the application process takes? Even if that time goes beyond four years? He already has 3 years on a work permit and if the inland process takes 2, that would be 5 on a permit.