"I forgot to mention one thing. I learned from the Ombudsman that Air Canada claims to have sent mail back to me on 9/21/01. I never received it."

Since AC admits it send you something. It can only be one of two things. Your original ticket or a check. If it was your original ticket that is lost, then I guess you put in a claim for a refund of a lost ticket. I certainly wouldn't pay their charge. If it was a check. They should just stop payment on it, and issue you another one. What am I missing. It's crucial that you find out what was in the envelope that they sent you.