I used Global Entry at YVR yesterday, and there is a clearly marked lane for Nexus/Global Entry right after CATSA. Nobody was staffing the entrance to the lane or blocking access/requiring GE or Nexus cards. There is a row of multiple kiosks, and all were operational when I went through (although I was the only passenger going through the lane at the time). A CBP officer at one of the desks motioned me over, confirmed my name, and I was airside.

As a side note, you do need a physical Nexus or GE card to use the CATSA trusted traveler lane at the security checkpoint prior to entering the preclearance facility.