I believe the MNR has little interest in allowing people to use these exemptions. As some of you know I became disabled over a decade ago and had questions about proving this will fishing. I went to the MNR both at the sportsman show and asked a CO and was told the only thing to use was my accessible parking pass. Were I launch my boat in IBP there is handicap parking which I need or I go home because I can't walk from the back parking lot. Senior's use them up because they believe they are for them but that's another rant. So I ask if a photocopy of the parking pass will do. No NO I must decide between parking or fishing. I've bought a fishing licence every year and too many years I don't even make it out in spite of hoping to.
I think they put this exemption in the regulations just to look good, to look less like a money grab but have know intention of letting people use it.
Good luck,good fishing and good on you for taking your buddy out.