FOTSGs often use terminology incorrectly, and it wouldn't be a surprise if the term "visa" was used when "eTA" is what was meant. It's also possible this fellow was, for some reason, ineligible for an eTA and needed a visa (as [MENTION=439097]flying_geek[/MENTION] said, perhaps because he was on a diplomatic passport, but there are other reasons). Either way, they needed to check that he had the necessary paperwork to enter the country, and I don't think visa vs eTA really matters.