if it is recognized in that country the government here will accept it.
You couldn't be more wrong about this. If the marriage isn't according to the laws in Canada, it won't be recognized by Canada, at the very least for immigration purposes. To the eyes of CIC, you are not married. From a simple Google search, you can find this on websites:
Generally, your foreign marriage will be recognized by the Canadian government, if the marriage:
- Is legal according to the laws of the place where it occurred; and
- Complies with Canada's federal laws on marriage.
And, from IRCC's website:
Does IRCC recognize marriages conducted by proxy, telephone, internet and fax?
No. We don’t recognize these types of marriages. If one or both parties are not physically present at the ceremony, we won’t recognize the marriage.
You cannot apply for spousal sponsorship until you actually get married. Just get married like almost everyone else's does, in person.