Originally Posted by DieselYVR

OP, I am a Canadian living abroad as well and I had the same question on my first return to Canada as a non-resident. They need to determine your residency status for customs/duty policies. If you have a bunch of stuff with you that you bought in China you are liable for duties if the goods remain in Canada which would be "normal" if you are a resident. Generally they are super easy-going with Canadian nationals who are non-residents as there is almost nothing to "catch" you for aside from the alcohol/tobacco limits and, of course, restricted/prohibited items.

Fill out the entry card as a non-resident (i.e. fill the boxes that ask you how many days you are staying and the Yes/No box about exceeding duty limits). You do not need to fill the ones with the value of goods you are bringing back like you would if you are a resident. Along with your foreign address on the card, this will signal you are a non-resident.