http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/irpa/faq-resident.html
Returning resident permit and permanent resident obligation
Q: Before June 28, 2002, I obtained a returning resident permit valid for two years to allow me to pursue my studies abroad. I was told that under the new law, I must be physically in Canada two years, every five-year period. Will my time spent abroad under a returning resident permit count for the calculation of the two years?
A: Any period spent outside Canada under a returning resident permit from June 28, 1997 to June 28, 2002 will count if that time is within the five-year period from the date of the examination by an immigration officer.
Any period spent outside Canada under a returning resident permit until June 28, 2004 will count if that time is within the five-year period from the date of the examination by an immigration officer
Returning resident permit and permanent resident obligation
Q: Before June 28, 2002, I obtained a returning resident permit valid for two years to allow me to pursue my studies abroad. I was told that under the new law, I must be physically in Canada two years, every five-year period. Will my time spent abroad under a returning resident permit count for the calculation of the two years?
A: Any period spent outside Canada under a returning resident permit from June 28, 1997 to June 28, 2002 will count if that time is within the five-year period from the date of the examination by an immigration officer.
Any period spent outside Canada under a returning resident permit until June 28, 2004 will count if that time is within the five-year period from the date of the examination by an immigration officer