Thank you for the details. This explains well. As always it all started with a discussion around what if someone is forges a card with all editing tools, and never shows physical copy. Now this could be a potential problem for a small time employer. Hence the ask here.
Actually it could be a potential problem for the employer IF they ask for a copy of the PR card or even specifically PR or citizenship status, unless they have some specific requirement to do so by law. (Which would apply to some govt positions, security clearances, police I think, etc).
https://www.siskinds.com/can-employers-ask-if-eligible-to-work-on-a-permanent-basis/
It is one thing to ask a potential employee if they have the right to work in Canada. They do, I believe, have to ask for SIN number to provide employment (but they don't necessarily have to GET a SIN number, because the employee just has to show they've applied for one).
At any rate, I don't pretend to know all the ins and outs of this issue but an employer (small business or not) should check carefully for this. My understanding - which is not at all complete - is that, in short, it is
not the employer's responsibility to police PR status, including 'checking whether a PR card is not forged.' They get the SIN number, they provide that to CRA, etc.., and the government deals with it.
Note: in no way should that be read to imply that employers can ignore this stuff, or pretend not to notice if they know someone's working illegally - because I believe they could get in trouble for
knowingly employing someone illegally.
Anyway: you get my point, I think. Even if the question 'how do I check a PR card is real' is asked in good faith, the answer really does depend on context.
