If your buddy knew that the certification was expired at the time of purchase then he purchased an uncertified vehicle.   Not sure what his recourse can be after buying a vehicle uncertified.            

Would think with the electronic download to the MTO a simple vin number run should bring up the shady dealer

If he has a copy of the outdated certificate he should contat the MOT.

Looks like the shady used dealers are up to their old tricks. Even with the new standards.  My buddy bought an old Caravan that the cert recently ran out on and took it straight to his local shop. You'd think it would be ok but as soon as the mechanic seen it he said "no way it passed a cert".  Spray foam in the rockers and oiled. Both rear shocks were rotten and both springs broken. Ebrakes hadnt worked in years. Front stabilizer links are shot. Has a muffler from a mystery vehicle welded on and no resonator/tail pipe.  Apparently, some have a network of shady A-Holes to call on to get pics and video of passable vehicles.  So if you find yourself with a great deal on a recently certified vehicle dont be afraid to roll around in the rain to get a good look. Body was touched up but decent and it had all new tires and brakes. At a quick glance in the rain it looked like a good deal.  On the bright side, I guess a hot safety is obtainable again. 

Hopefully some trails left to ride besides D too. I really miss d101b connection from Huntsville too. Every few years it seems to get harder to get there from south east.