That's a good point, and these are the more complicated questions that we may have to go through. The upcoming version of the APPR will put a rest to these sorts of questions, but that's a topic for another day.
This will be a helpful resource:
https://rppa-appr.ca/eng/notices . Canada Transportation Agency (CTA) occasionally publishes information regarding passenger protections and answers questions that may need to be addressed for the public's benefit.
CTA has already ruled that delays due to crew shortages are not a safety issue and are within an airline's control unless airlines can prove otherwise:
https://rppa-appr.ca/eng/notice/cana...ortages-may-be
Personally I don't see the difference between your situation and crew shortage. There aren't supposed to be tired pilots in the first place, and there wouldn't be if airlines properly scheduled pilots and crew members according to flights an airline has scheduled. You can't shoot yourself in the foot and claim that you are a victim.
So when you file a claim, it will be up to AC to prove otherwise.
This is a sample language that I received for my flight a week ago that is an example of a safety issue: "We're sorry as a part of your itinerary has changed due to an unforeseen aircraft maintenance issue and we have automatically rebooked you on another flight."
Also think about this: there is no harm or repercussion to you if CTA rules in AC's favor. Yes it's tedious to file these claims, but think of it as a learning experience. I file these complaints about once per month and you'll learn about your rights as a passenger very quickly ; )