If the question is, this is a premium cabin award from AP, would UA if space was available "upgrade" the present economy fare class IAH-YYC on the passagner request? Simple answer no -- UA only got paid for economy and unless UA/AP agreed to re-ticket, UA is not normally going to give a freebie.
This is the age old problem of an award ticket from one airline/program for service on another. Will happen only if the ticketing airline makes the change.

if the situation was an UA Award ticket on AC, the answer would be the same. All the second airline sees is the ticketed fare class for the segment.