KVS, that is not strictly correct.

Regardless of the passport held a permanent resident must have either the permanent resident document (PR Card) or a travel document in order to use a public conveyance to travel to Canada. A carrier still faces fines if they convey a person who is a permanent resident without the necessary document even if that person could have sought entry as a temporary resident without a TRV.

The best option is to contact CIC for expedited processing. I have had very positive results getting my clients' PR cards issued on an expedited basis where there is a demonstrable need to travel. This assumes, of course, that there is no question about the applicant's ability to meet the 730 day rule, and the application meeting the technical specs (esp. for the photographs).