Renewing Class 1 IR
The guide lays it out, must have had a valid IR in the last 24 months, if not you have to write the INRAT.
The answer appears to be YES
(a) If you can locate an examiner to do a flight test, there does not appear to be reason as to why this cannot be done in any other country providing conditions could be complied with.
(b) The test could be done in another country, with an examiner monitoring the test in Canada, either via video, or linked simulators, for example it must be possible to have two simulators linked via internet, the examiner in one, the candidate in the other.
I also called Australia asking the same question.... and its the same except NO written exam. if you did the IREX 30 years ago, and did not touch an airplane for 30 years, according to them, you don't need to rewrite the written exam. Just a valid medical which is another Canadian requirement but TC is very good at accepting foreign aviation medicals, that other countries will not allow.
Australia for example will insist you go to one of their approved doctors etc and there are actually two in Ottawa...
Now, IF, I'm guessing here, an examiner in Canada was watching the simulator or in flight LIVE or recorded, via skype etc, he might be able to sign off the test, even if he was not actually in the airplane or simulator at the time.
"The examiner must either be trained in the use of the device or must monitor the candidate’s performance while an individual, that has been trained, operates the device in accordance with an agreed-upon script."
d) The pilot seats will only be occupied by the required crewmembers. In the case of a single-pilot aircraft, that would be the candidate only.
e) The instructor’s station must have the capability to introduce failures on all required systems. Once activated, proper system operation must result from system management by the crew member and not require any further input from the instructor’s controls;
a) Where the test is conducted in an aircraft, an effective means of excluding outside visual reference to simulate instrument flight conditions, while maintaining a safe level of visibility for the examiner or safety pilot.
[This specifically provides for "a safety pilot" and "or" examiner, who apparently does not need to be INSIDE the aircraft or simulator.
TP 9939E
That raises another question, Could an Australian examiner do the same for a candidate in another country?
I'd say most probably it's possible but it will take an examiner in Australia to pose the question and get the answer..