Was basing my comment on this:
Eligibility to apply from inside Canada
You can only apply for a work permit from inside Canada if:
you have a valid study or work permit, or your spouse or parents have a study or work permit
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/work/apply-who-eligible.asp#inside
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/guides/5553E.PDF
Who may apply for a work permit from within Canada?
Important: The ability to apply in Canada does not guarantee acceptance. Eligibility criteria for the
category of work permit must be met.
The following persons may apply for a work permit from within Canada:
• Holders of work or study permits and their family members;
Note: Spouses or common-law partners of highly skilled temporary foreign workers, may
themselves be authorized to work without first having a confirmed job offer by Human
Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC confirmation). In the case of
workers destined for Quebec, without having to obtain a CAQ from the Ministère de
l’Immigration et des communautés culturelles (MICC). The principal foreign worker must
be doing work which is at a level that falls within National Occupational Classification Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada - Worker 9
(NOC) Skill Levels O, A or B in order for them to qualify for a work permit. These skill
levels include management and professional occupations and technical or skilled
tradespersons