This just seems odd, but is likely standard operating procedure for CBSA. Why would they issue a removal order, if they know that he had an active spousal sponsorship application AND had already received AIP?!
There was once an `administrative deferral for removal' in place with CBSA that would allow a person to remain in Canada, provided they had an Inland application submitted with CIC. Apparently, that program ended in November 2011 (but CIC has not updated document ip 08 to reflect this change). The new policy seems to be that if a person is issued a removal order, prior to AIP, CBSA would request that CIC expedite the processing to a stage 1 approval (AIP) within 60 days, and if AIP was granted, the applicant could stay until DM (with possible weekly or monthly `check-in' appointments with CBSA). Since you already had AIP, prior to receiving your letter...I'm stumped.
It must be because of the pre-existing issue that he had with CBSA, prior to AIP, but...why would that trump AIP now?!?!
Hopefully, you'll receive DM on, or before, Feb 19, 2014!! Ha! Wouldn't THAT be amazing?!?!?!