From Air Canada's website:

"All types of guitars (e.g. acoustic bass, alto, baritone, bass, cigar box, electric, flamenco, harp, string, tailed bridge, tenor, and resonator) may be accepted as carry-on or checked baggage."

If the guitar is valuable or its presence is crucial for a performance etc, Mr. Fearing should have done the responsible thing and carried it on. No one can reasonably expect 100% checked baggage arrival rates, and musical instruments checked likely have the same odds.

Or do what cello players do and book a seat for it.