Remember Star Alliance flights can get you to SE again, provided they are ticketed by Air Canada on 014 stock (don't have to be AC codeshares).
AQD Enhancement for 2017
"You will earn Altitude Qualifying Dollars (AQD) for the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges (Y, YQ and YR) on eligible flights flown, including:
Flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada RougeTM.
Flights operated by Star AllianceTM member airlines ticketed on Air Canada ticket stock (ticket numbers beginning with “014”)."