in ontario, can friends and family (not accredited) invest in a venture capital company as limited partners as an exemption?

Decile Group strongly recommends not accepting any investors who are not accredited investors into a Fund, even if it is technically and legally possible (depending on the jurisdiction and the Fund's legal agreements). Such investors are generally not worth the extra effort and cost. 

For specific advice about a jurisdiction, please consult an experienced fund attorney in said jurisdiction.