Your friend can apply for refugee status before entering Canada.
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/apply-after.asp
He will have to show the same proof as inside Canada. (Without proof, he will be denied status no matter where he applies.) This option will allow him to collect his travel documents to get into Canada. He would be able to legally travel to Canada and land as a protected person.
His parents can also apply separately if they meet the criteria.
Please review the criteria. He needs to make sure he qualifies. If he doesn't, he will be denied and return to his home. The Canadian government is moving to fast-track returning people if they don't qualify. Don't assume he qualifies. Read the requirements and be critical of the situation.
(This doesn't sound like your situation, but many people are making completely fake claims to try to stay in Canada, which make it harder for people in real life threatening situations have to wait longer and endure more scrutiny - you can imagine why I disapprove of fake refugee claims! Canada has made several changes to the refugee status, such as no longer accepting refugees from certain countries and fast tracking removal just for this reason.)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/refugees/outside/apply-after.asp
He will have to show the same proof as inside Canada. (Without proof, he will be denied status no matter where he applies.) This option will allow him to collect his travel documents to get into Canada. He would be able to legally travel to Canada and land as a protected person.
His parents can also apply separately if they meet the criteria.
Please review the criteria. He needs to make sure he qualifies. If he doesn't, he will be denied and return to his home. The Canadian government is moving to fast-track returning people if they don't qualify. Don't assume he qualifies. Read the requirements and be critical of the situation.
(This doesn't sound like your situation, but many people are making completely fake claims to try to stay in Canada, which make it harder for people in real life threatening situations have to wait longer and endure more scrutiny - you can imagine why I disapprove of fake refugee claims! Canada has made several changes to the refugee status, such as no longer accepting refugees from certain countries and fast tracking removal just for this reason.)