Yes, I'm sure.
Here's what CIC says about the program:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/resources/tools/temp/work/admissibility/open.asp
Applicants in the following categories are eligible:
qualifying foreign nationals who have submitted an application for permanent residence under the spouse or common-law partner in Canada (SCLPC) class.
As of December 22, 2014, open work permits may be issued to eligible applicants under the SCLPC class at an earlier stage in processing. This pilot project will end on December 21, 2016.
Officers will issue open work permits to SCLPC class applicants if they meet the following requirements:
a permanent residence application has been submitted under the SCLPC class;
a Canadian citizen or permanent resident spouse has submitted a sponsorship application on their behalf;
the SCLPC class applicant resides at the same address as the sponsor; and
the SCLPC class applicant has valid temporary resident status (as a visitor, student, or worker).
Applicants whose application for permanent residence is being processed under the spousal public policy (subcategory “PP” in GCMS) on the basis that they do not have a valid temporary resident status are not eligible to be issued an open work permit under the pilot project. They must wait until they receive approval in principle to be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
It doesn't state anywhere, that you need SA before the OWP is issued.