It’s a scam whatever you wanna call it. I never noticed it on Air Canada. Even if it is, the diff was so small I didn’t notice. To charge me 179 for 99 is ridiculous.
Thanks for Expedia suggestion. Will try that.
Follow up. If I go and cancel the ticket (within 24hrs). Do the cheap seat rates get allocated back so I can rebook on Expedia right after or it’s not worth the risk? Current rate for same seat is $180 USD.