The key distinction is that before becoming a citizen, a person must first become a permanent resident. Then, after meeting specific residency criteria, permanent residents can apply for citizenship.
Canadian permanent residents enjoy almost similar kinds of rights to that of a Canadian Citizen. But there are a few exceptions to those rights, such as:
Permanent residents (PRs) can not vote or be a candidate in elections
PRs can not apply for a Canadian passport
PRs do not have the option to be educated in the official language of their choice
Also, PRs do not have unqualified rights to enter, remain in or leave Canada