Is it acceptable to use VNAV data in lieu of localizer recommended altitudes?
If your company uses CANPA (continuous descent) approaches, the whole point is using artificial VNAV on non-precision approaches where no vertical navigation is part of the approach. This involves determining a DDA, or derived decision altitude, based on the published minimums and some other criteria. Arrival at the DDA requires a go-around just like if you were arriving at a DA on a precision approach.

In defense of your point, if you aren't using any form of vertical navigation, one might argue that it's no longer a CANPA approach at all. How can be maintain a constant angle without vertical nav?

Then again, if you are flying the CRJ a localizer approach would involve having the Proline 4 in "green needles." Advisory VNAV only works in "white needles," so if they're saying you shouldn't use advisory VNAV on a localizer only approach that might be the reason. You can't.

In reference to the main question in the title, you can't use advisory VNAV "in lieu" of the published minimums or minimums derived from your company regulations, but if you want to use advisory VNAV to plan your descent to the appropriate minimums, that's okay unless specific language in the company manuals forbids it.