Even if you don't want your luggage checked thru, AC won't always do it if they think you're not going to turn up for the next segment (granted this is unlikely on a YYC-YYZ-AMS flight).

But given you are meeting family, I'm assuming they'll be picking you up in a car so grab luggage, throw it in the trunk and just ensure you're back at t-90/t-120 (depending upon personal comfort level and ability to use fast-track lines) to re-check it. Or failing that, store it as The Lev mentioned.

However, I'm pretty sure they'll be fine with ~6h. I don't see this massively increasing the likelihood of it going missing. I don't see a specific time listed though, I'm assuming this is 142 to 824 with a 3.5h layover though I grant you there are plenty of options that could have even a 10h layover)