We'll have to play the "wait n' see" game on the canon issue. Clearly, this is based on previous characters and events but if they try to make it somehow a lead-in to Aliens, I wouldn't be surprised. Nor disappointed, really. The time frame between Alien and Aliens will be covered in full at some point so the new comics/books are probably going to attempt to fill those gaps.
Honestly, they can call it canon or just create their own stories that could fit in within the universe. Just want them to create something respectable and worth the effort.