No - not true. You're confusing inadmissibility with deportation.
OP - The answer is that your friend will have to go through the ARC process (authorization to return to Canada) in order to return to Canada. If the government of Canada paid for his flight home - he will have to repay these costs as part of the process. Since he was deported, there's pretty much zero chance he's going to be allowed back into Canada under any sort of temporary status (e.g. visitor visa, study permit, work permit). If he wants to return, his most realistic option is to apply to immigrate through an economic program like Express Entry (assuming he qualifies).
