While I can't speak for that particular card, I have some information on this topic that may help others.

I am a Canadian resident on a work permit. My SIN starts with 9, and I am not considered a permanent resident. Acquiring Canadian credit cards under these circumstances varies bank by bank.

My primary banking relationship is with TD. With TD, I could initially acquire any of their cards (standard or premium) but only as a secured card.

After a year of holding a TD secured card, I was able to acquire AMEX Canada and Chase Canada cards on my own credit merit without requiring a secure line of credit. It's worth noting that AMEX Canada may be willing to issue a Canadian card based on US credit history if you have an existing relationship with AMEX USA (see: Global Transfer).

I have also attempted to acquire a CIBC card with no success. Their terms state that only permanent residents are eligible. They did say that non-permanent residents may be eligible for their cards with a secured line of credit, but the premium card for which I applied was not available as a secured card.