The builder is probably talking about "make up air" not "ventilation". Problem with new homes today is that they are very well sealed. This creates an environment where exhaust fans can't perform well because no air is entering the home to replace the air going out.
However, I have not heard of gaps left intentionally in the foam around windows to improve make up air in a home.
In the winter, windows are considered cold zones and warm house air condenses on cold windows and window frames. This idea of leaving gaps in the insulation around the frames would only contribute to this problem.
Make up Air is a complex problem that will need considerable thought and probably some experimentation to study and resolve. IMO this idea of leaving gaps around window frames is this builder attempt to improve the Make up Air dilemma but I don't think it's a good idea.
Some may think an HRV would resolve the problem but it will NOT. HRV's do improve "ventilation" but they are a balanced system and they do not provide extra air into the home to "make up" for air sent out of the home via exhaust fans, water heater burners, and furnaces.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0T_vP2l8LOU
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