A co worker just called me from YVR and told me he was denied entry into Canada.

He was on his way to Whistler for a week-long ski vacation and upon landing in YVR he was refused entry due to a DUI that he received in 2007.

I only spoke with him briefly, and will get all the details when he comes back tonight, but I was wondering.... shouldn't the airline that flew him to YVR have checked eligibility? at no point was he told that a 4 year old DUI would exclude him entry.
does he have any recourse for his expenses?
he prepaid the hotel, ski lift tickets and rental. I think it was a package deal.

He purchased travel insurance, would this be something that they cover?
the trip was purchased on a citi bank AAdvantage american express card. would that offer him any protection?

I know drinking and driving is a serious issue, i dont want to get into how bad it is in this thread, I just want to know if he has any options or is he S O L

Thanks