You collect AIR MILES by shopping at various merchants earning on average 1 AM per $20 spent, then redeem miles for merchandise, hotel rooms or flights on partner airlines. Flight awards are based on distance and lowest available fare bucket negotiated by AM with the carrier. AIR MILES has been operating in Canada since the mid-90s, has a credit card partner, as well as SAFEWAY in the west and METRO in Ontario/Quebec. Lots of bonus offerings to bump up one's balance.

Advantage here is short haul awards are a lot less than using MP miles, and as awards come from normal revenue seat inventory, MP miles should be earned on these tickets (and upgrades?).