Perhaps people are not referring to the Aeroplan program since inception when it comes to Air Canada redemptions. There are lots of references here to other programs or whatnot, but it is not on topic at all and is irrelevant to what the original poster has brought up.

It has always been the case that redemptions on Air Canada metal for flights during the busy season (Christmas) using Aeroplan has always been close to impossible to do unless one is booking as far out as possible. (for non SE members). from YVR to a major east/central Canadian hub. e.g. YYZ.

Flyertalk is surely a place which requires a lot of bolding for emphasis, unsurprisingly as I am learning.