Just to add to my comment above - there is only one option I see. That's if he can get a visitor visa approved. Then once he's here - he could try to apply for PR through H&C. However since a visitor visa has already been refused, I suspect this will be difficult/impossible.
Hi scylla, why is a visitor visa needed to file a H&C immigration application? I am unable to find the reference in the link below, maybe I am missing something. Would appreciate your response on this.
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/permanent-residence/humanitarian-compassionate-consideration/intake-who-may-apply.html