Bumping up rather than opening a new thread.

I am looking at some 1:10 (YUL) to 1:45 (YVR and YYZ) transborder connections. How doable are they in the current climate without Nexus, etc.?

Also, does having checked luggage make a difference? I recall having to take our checked bags to the transborder section when flying direct out of YEG. Wondering if we'd have to collect them and recheck at the connecting airport.