Same sentiments here. There is another thread with the same topic:As you mentioned, your wife did studies and considering you were on dependent visa (SOWP). So, in that case your wife institute should be in the DLI list for the PGWP. If not, her only chance would be get a work permit from any employer. As you are dependent, so she can’t be dependent on dependent. I hope this cleara your point. Not an expert, just trying to help you out.
https://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/threads/spouse-of-open-work-permit-holders.814722/
IMHO, this case is a paradox. You got the SOWP based from your wife's SP. Without your wife's SP, you are not qualified for SOWP. But you got an extension based on a new temporary policy. Sort of like how would you travel back in time if you did travel in time to destroy the time machine before your time travel even happens (not entirely the same but you get the idea).
I am not a lawyer, nor a licensed immigration consultant. Am just curious about cases like this. I think, you can argue that since you were given an extension without asking for it, then that makes you the new PA now? Or it may be just a matter of time before IRCC realizes that there was widespread mistake on issuing those opt-in extensions without laying down the requirements first (just my thoughts).
Again, I am not a lawyer and this is just an opinion.