Originally Posted by KVS
In theory, you are both absolutely correct. However, when it comes to issues relating to multiple citizenship, there is a huge gap between theory and practice. Nevertheless, I have slightly edited my original post to clarify what I meant.
In practice, there are basically two separate issues:
- The issue of being able to board the aircraft (i.e. dealing with the check-in agent)
- The issue of being able to enter Canada (i.e. dealing with CIC at the port of entry)
It is important to distinguish between these two issues as the airline's agents, unlike CIC at the port-of-entry cannot verify status or citizneship. They have to go by the travel documents presented by the passenger.
Therefore, if someone has a suitable passport, they can present it at the check-in and then explain to the CIC why they don't have a PR card and provide supporting documents to facilitate their entry into the country.
KVS
In theory you may be correct. But if the airline sees that you are terminating your itinerary in Canada they can request that you show either a valid visa for staying in Canada, or a reserved way back out (air, train, bus, car rental). The airline is on the hook for fines and transportation costs if they bring someone who is refused entry due to invalid documents. Many airlines would see the OP's case as possibly falling under this category and so would refuse boarding.
I agree that many check-in agents won't check for the PR card, most haven't asked for mine. But they might and then the OP's employee would be SOL. That's why I called it a risky manouver. Of course, since he's Ukrainian this point is moot, he requires a visa of some sort anyway.