I am a Dutch citizen, married to a Canadian citizen.
I am currently on my fourth work permit, and have had one study permit as well.

I have been approved for the first stage of approval for permanent residence from within Canada and am being sponsored by my spouse.
I have an open work permit (as a result of being approved in principle) that is valid until October of next year, as well as a closed permit that is valid until April of next year.

I have some traveling that I need to do over Christmas time. I will be traveling with my spouse.

CIC advises not to travel because I would be breaking immigration rules and the officer can refuse entry simply because I left Canada during my PR application.

Generally speaking - am I taking a large risk by leaving the country while the PR application is still in process?

How long does the second stage of approval typically take?