No, his visit visa would not necessarily be denied just because his PR card expired except for the fact that he can't get a visit visa because he is still officially PR.May2014 said:
He needs to renounce his PR stating that he has been working outside Canada and unfortunately did not meet the residency obligation. As he continues to work outside Canada, he would like to apply for a multiple entry visit visa in order to visit his family rather than have his spouse sponsor him for PR again at this time. He should send proof that he works full time.
He can use a travel document form to renounce his PR. It is basically a form for a PR with an expired card to return to Canada but it can also be used to verify that he did not meet the RO and should lose his PR. You can find it here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/travel.asp
