@ Alan, for us, we just got a letter of invitation to apply for it. Our invitation had a deadline to it. And even the recent bridging program bulletin is expired.
It's supposed to be a bridging program last 2012 that allows for early integration into Canada while waiting for visa.( http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/notices/2012-12-17.asp ).
More information on who can apply for OWP @ http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?q=177&t=17
I think that for those not yet in Canada, it's by invitation, but for those already in Canada and are still waiting for PR they have the option to for themselves and their spouse.
I also see a handful of threads here discussing this topic and you may need to back read on a few of them if you need deeper insights from other forum members.
Hope this helps. Cheers and all the best in your application