For further reference, you are never obligated to pay for removal services.
They probably won't proceed with the application if they are not paid. Do you have have an official reference for your assertion?
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/fees/immigration/general/payment-removal-costs-r243.html
Deportees
Under the IRPA, persons who are deported at departmental expense must satisfy two requirements before being allowed to return to Canada. First, they must obtain authorization to do so through an officer or by other prescribed circumstances as per R226(1) and A52(1); and second, they must pay the cost (if any) of their removal as per R243, if they have not been recovered from the transportation company.
Other removals
Clients who are the subject of exclusion or departure orders may seek to return to Canada after the period specified in the Regulations, without the need to obtain the authorization of an officer.
However, as with deportees, these clients are now required to pay the cost of their removal as per R243, if they were removed at Her Majesty’s expense.
Once the officer who is processing the request for authorization to return to Canada (
IMM 1203B) has determined that authorization will be granted, the office in Canada where the removal order originated will inform the officer whether payment is applicable. Collection of this fee will occur prior to the authorization to return to Canada being granted.
The applicable fees are per R243.
A receipt shall be issued each time a payment of removal expenses is received.
If an individual advises that they are unable or unwilling to pay the fee immediately, they should be counselled to withdraw their request for authorization to return to Canada and return when they have the ability and willingness to do so. If the individual refuses to withdraw their request, the request will be refused for failure to pay removal costs as per A52(1).