skofarrell - i'm not as familiar with UA's mileage policies, but at AC, you fly to earn status for the UPCOMING status year (March 01 to March 01) - NOT the CURRENT year.

Now the policy to grant you status in the CURRENT year isn't carved in stone, but AC does it to ensure passenger loyalty... otherwise, once i've hit *G/Elite with AC, i'd be inclined to hop over to AA, CO or DL to build status with them for the following year. In every personal case with Canadian and Air Canada, i've always been extended current year status as a courtesy once i've crossed the threshold.