Facts sometimes turn out not facts, when supplied by a third party, even with their best intentions.
(irony on) Well, not ordinary third parties, but third parties on the internet. Did you consider that? (irony off)
Seriously, I think
caravanman has a good idea about calling, but even if the Via agent says it is standard procedure, I would worry about a deviation from standard procedure on
my trip. In other words,
greatwestern, in your place, I would probably keep the hotel reservation.
I have heard of one other instance of Via providing a hotel room to passengers when the
Canadian was significantly delayed on its initial departure, but I have no idea if that policy is applied always, sometimes, or rarely.