Hotels are like airlines, if you book the cheaper rates, there is no canceling. If this is an issue, you should be booking higher refundable rates.
Does it suck that your flight was missed and your trip messed up?
Yes
Does aircraft issues happen?
Yes
Did you have a back up routing either on AC or on another *A carrier, or any other carrier for that mather?
Any seasoned traveler would tell you that if you *HAVE* to be somewheres, be there in advanced, as delays can and do happen. If not, and things go sideways and you get a 25% discount voucher, then be happy and stop waisting your time with AC. (Typical voucher is only 15%).
Also as an FIY, if you are flying AC in executive class, you have acess to the concierge service that is usualy much more helpful (Especialy those in YOW).