We're taking AC561 (SFO-YVR) connecting to AC025 (YVR-PVG) later in the month. AC561 is a very early morning flight, allowing just under 2 hours to conncect to AC025 in YVR. Traveling on a UA award in Business class. Given that AC flights may be delayed out of SFO and into YVR due to weather, crew rest etc., what is the best strategy to ensure a connection to AC025 in a timely manner?

Since this is a UA award ticket, will Air Canada customer service be helpful, or should I contact UA? I know that UA has a flight that departs just under 1 hour after AC561 to YVR. Should we try and get on that one? In the event that a connection is missed, how does AC typically work?

TIA.