This is just from my experience and advice I was given by an Immigration Officer (IO) and the visa officer. It may be a different story if it is a genuine 'guest' and they are coming from a more developed country...
I was told, after my girlfriend was refused a temporary resident visa (TRV), that it doesn't matter if she has all the money in the world. If she doesn't have personal assets like a company, children, or hold a respectable job (long term, pays well and letter from employer) which shows she has to return to after the visit, then she will not obtain a TRV.
The applicant MUST prove reasons to return back to their country and money is not a reason.
I think if someone else were to send a large amount of money to the applicant, the IO would see the transaction in the applicant's bank statements, red flag it and interrogate the applicant in the interview (a.k.a. deny the visa).
They are more concerned with how the money is earned and not how much is there. Does the applicant hold a good job that they need to return to after their proposed time in Canada expires?
Hope that helps.
canthai