Unlike any other place I've entered, Canada seems to give visitors a hard time. At least that's what I've heard.

Recently I drove into Canada from Seattle and although they didn't search me they asked me at least 20 questions including what I was doing, why I was doing it, details details details.

My brother went to Nova Scotia on vacation and they searched him and his friend and detained them for an hour.

They are courteous but insistent. What are they looking for? Why are they doing this?

My feeling is that they want people to recognize the sovereignty of Canada, so often characterized in thought if not action as the "51st state" of USA. But perhaps I am way off in this explanation.

Anyone else with experience like this entering Canada? Any thoughts as to the reason why?

(And BTW, entering the US is no piece of cake with drug sniffing dogs etc., I am not trying to criticize Canada and apologize in advance to anyone if my question offends)