I gather then that there is not really a consensus on access to international lounges within Canada?

There was no doubt whatsoever -- not a chance in h*ll I was getting into that lounge. The concierge office (several people) spent half an hour researching it, and while I was waiting I asked both CP and AC agents about "gate passes." Each time I got the definitive "blank stare."

Any airline employees got the inside track on this one?