Leon, this is from CIC Manual. Does it mean that this rule applies only if Canadian Citizen spouse is working with the public service or province or armed forces??. It does not apply to anyone else?. 
Thanks. 
Spouse of Canadian living abroad 
Sub-section 5(1.1) was proclaimed in 1988. It treats residence for an applicant, as described in 
that provision, as if the person were in Canada. 
1.7.1 Specific periods count as residence 
The Citizenship Act was amended in 1988 to allow the spouse of a Canadian citizen residing 
outside Canada with that person to count certain specific periods as residence in Canada. 
"Spouse" refers to a married person. 
Section 5(1.1) applies only where the Canadian citizen spouse is working with the public service 
of Canada or a province or for the Canadian armed forces. 
Any day of residence outside Canada, before lawful admission to Canada, is equivalent to onehalf day of residence in Canada. 
Any day of residence outside Canada, after lawful admission to Canada, is equivalent to one day 
of residence in Canada.