RE Aeroplan,
I actually work at CIBC, and we have great promotions on to earn Aeroplan miles -- including sign up bonuses for or Aeroplan visa's, a checking account that earns Aeroplan miles for doing your regular banking, and even a mortgage with Aeroplan miles (you earn one Aeroplan mile for every $1.00 of regular interest you pay). If you add up the bonus miles just for signing up you can pile on points very quickly.
Cheers,