Credit Card Programs - Amex Aeroplan Gold Plus Canada: Was there a first year free offer ever?

I've been searching in forums and I can't seem to find the answer...Am I safe to assume it has never been first year free? If not, is the current 15k+5K after 1k spend w/ the $120 annual the best offer there has been?

I would personally pay $120 to buy 20k ae miles currently so if that is a decent offer I will churn it...

Any other cards besides the Mariott, Aerogold, Amex Gold rewards and SPG amex/ the business cards associated that can transfer to AE? Or any CC's with with free hotel nights/points in Canada besides the Mariott and SPG?

Going F for my next RTW w/ no hotel expenses as my goal... Well on my way :D ^

Any help here? just thinking about applying

EDIT: If mods can possibly move this to the aeroplan forum maybe I can get more help there?