Well, I can tell you what happened now.
I got to passport control in Vancouver, and was asked for my PR card.Told them I hadn't received it yet.
Was then asked why I hadn't gone to the Canadian Embassy to get a travel document, I told them I tried to contact the embassy by phone and email but no response.
Was then advised not to travel without my PR card again, and let through.

Bozo

On friday inflow united from ohare to Ottawa, united rep did the Pre boarding doc check. This is where every other time they checked my twp, but all they did was check passport and not even look at the visa or ask for pr card!

At the end of the day I was advised mot to travel without it as there is then risk of getting stranded

Did they check your docs prior ot boarding the plane?

They had a cursory look at my passport, but no discussion.