He probably has to install DRL for inspection to get the car certified for Ontario roads when originally a US car. DRL has been mandatory on vehicles since 91 or 92 in Canada, but not on US cars. Turning on the parking lights when you get into the car is not an option for inspection stations. People forget to do things when they’re driving their cars. I can’t tell you how many stupid drivers I’ve seen on the road in the middle of the night with their headlights off. Probably because they never drive in the night and think without checking that the light from the DRLs are more than enough.
I believe I’ve seen some little DRL modules available at Canadian Tire to DRL equip an older vehicle or non-DRL equipped car. I’m sure those will have instructions on how to tap it into your existing lighting system.